5-Day-Old Baby Put Up for Sale: Greater Noida Hospital Owner Arrested
Illegal newborn sale busted in Greater Noida West after a WhatsApp tip-off led to a sting operation, rescuing the baby and exposing a suspected trafficking network.
Around 21 March 2026, a suspicious message began circulating in a WhatsApp group in Greater Noida West, claiming a newborn baby girl was “available for adoption.”
A resident grew suspicious after noticing unusual details. When his wife contacted the number, she was allegedly asked to pay ?2.6–?2.7 lakh and pressured to act quickly. Realising it was illegal, they reported it to Child Helpline 1098.
Authorities—including police, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, and Child Welfare officials—set up a sting operation. On 21–22 March, two hospital staff members arrived with the baby for the handover, where they were caught and arrested on the spot.
The infant, just 5–10 days old, was safely rescued. Investigations revealed she was born in a private hospital in the Bisrakh area and was allegedly being sold instead of being processed through legal adoption channels.
Police arrested the hospital owner, a technician, and a cleaner. A nurse and her husband—who helped arrange and circulate the deal—were absconding. Authorities suspect a larger trafficking network and are ????ing hospital records.
A case has been filed under human trafficking laws and the Juvenile Justice Act, and the hospital’s licence has been cancelled.
The baby is now safe under the care of the Child Welfare Committee.
In India, adoption is strictly regulated by Central Adoption Resource Authority, and buying or selling children is illegal.
