The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the state CID busted an interstate child trafficking and fake adoption ring following the arrest of two suspects, Manik Haldar (38) and Mukul Haldar (32), on charges of trafficking. The operation, which took place near Shalimar Railway Station at Howrah, also led to the rescue of a two-day-old infant girl.
According to CID officials, the arrested men had allegedly been involved in a network that sourced newborns from across India and sold them to “buyers” after fabricating adoption documents. A girl child was reportedly sold for between Rs4-6 lakh, while a boy fetched ₹6-8 lakh.
The two suspects were apprehended while attempting to smuggle the infant from Gaya into West Bengal. They posed as a couple seeking to “adopt” the child. Investigators caught them red-handed and are currently seeking custody of the accused for further questioning.
