Delhi Police arrested Sangram Dass, a 38-year-old man from Kolkata, on Saturday in connection with a human trafficking case involving newborns. Dass, a resident of Delhi’s Begumpur, had been on the run for some time and was declared a proclaimed offender with a reward of Rs20,000 for his capture.
The case came to light in February when police received information about newborns being seen in suspicious and neglected conditions with individuals residing in Jain Nagar Extension. The babies appeared to be in distress, prompting further investigation. Evidence surfaced suggesting a trafficking operation, leading to the arrest of nine people, including five women.
Despite the arrests, Dass remained absconding. However, after frequently changing his hideouts, he was finally apprehended in Kolkata on Thursday, as confirmed by DCP (Crime) SK Sain. During questioning, Dass revealed that he and his associates were involved in buying and selling newborns from states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
Dass, originally from Odisha, had moved to Delhi in 2004 for housekeeping work. Over time, he became involved in criminal activities with his associates. The gang targeted poor families, luring them with promises of a better life for their children in exchange for selling their newborns. They also deceived parents by taking babies from hospitals, railway stations, and other public places. The babies were cared for by the female gang members until a buyer was found. The gang is believed to be behind four such cases.
