The Mumbai
Crime Branch arrested seven men and two women for allegedly kidnapping and selling
newborn babies. They have been sent to custody till January 21, reported news
agency ANI.

The kidnapped baby girls were sold for Rs 60,000 each while boys were sold for Rs
1.50 lakh each, according to a Times of India report.

Preliminary
investigations have suggested that the gang managed to sell four babies in the span of six months but the police officials suspect the number to be higher.

Meanwhile, a doctor was also arrested by Crime Branch in connection with the case.

While an investigation is underway in the matter, it is not the first time a baby selling racket has been busted in the financial capital of the nation.

Earlier in 2019, another such gang, involved in the trafficking of infants mainly to childless parents was busted by Mumbai Crime Branch.

Police investigations later revealed that at least four people were a part of the racket and operated in two segments where one group allegedly convinced pregnant women living in slums to sell their child, while the other group searched for couples interested in buying babies.