Mumbai police have booked a Govandi-based doctor and four others for allegedly attempting to sell a newborn for ₹5 lakh. The case emerged after officers acted on a tip-off and found that the infant’s birth had not been officially documented, raising concerns of illegal transfer and trafficking. Authorities have invoked multiple legal provisions related to child protection, medical ethics, and criminal conspiracy. The newborn is now under state care as investigators examine whether the incident is part of a wider network and assess lapses in medical documentation and oversight.
Mumbai police have registered a case against a doctor and four others after receiving information about an alleged attempt to sell a newborn for ₹5 lakh. The investigation began when officers conducted a surprise inspection at a hospital in Govandi, where the baby had been delivered.
According to the police, the accused include Dr. Qayamuddin Khan, hospital staff manager Anita Popat Sawant, and two women known as Shama and Darshana. Investigators noted that the group bypassed mandatory birth-related documentation and transferred the newborn between individuals, raising concerns about an organised attempt to carry out an illegal sale.[1]
The case falls under the jurisdiction of Shivaji Nagar police station in Govandi, Mumbai. The events came to light following a Saturday inspection, and details were formally reported in mid-November 2025.
Police reports state that a 20-year-old unmarried woman delivered the baby without the hospital completing routine admission and record-keeping procedures. No birth certificate or medical documentation was generated, creating a gap that made it easier to transfer the infant without official oversight. The newborn was reportedly moved from the mother to Shama and later to Darshana, forming a custodial chain that alerted authorities to a possible trafficking attempt.
The police have invoked several legal provisions relating to child protection, medical practice, and criminal accountability:
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 93, 143(4), and 3(5)
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 Sections 75 and 81
Birth and Death Registration Act Sections 8 and 25
Maharashtra Medical Professions Act, 1961 Sections 33 and 36
These sections collectively address child abandonment, trafficking, failure to register a birth, and violations of medical professional conduct.[1]
We have registered a case and are investigating further. The probe aims to identify the intended buyer and to establish whether the accused were involved in similar offences earlier.Police Officer, Shivaji Nagar
Birth registration is a legal obligation and a fundamental public-health process that establishes a child’s identity and protects against exploitation. In clinical environments, accurate documentation also forms a core part of ethical medical practice. When documentation is bypassed, systems meant to safeguard vulnerable mothers and infants are weakened, increasing the risk of trafficking or illegal adoption.
Healthcare professionals are required to maintain clear records, obtain informed consent, and follow regulated procedures. Any deviation can compromise the safety of patients and may open pathways for criminal misuse of medical settings.[2,3]
Authorities have stated that the newborn has been placed under state protection. Further inquiries aim to determine whether additional individuals were involved, whether the baby had prospective buyers, and whether the accused were part of a recurring or networked operation. Previous investigations in Mumbai have shown that some trafficking activities utilise hospitals or small clinics to transfer infants without detection.
1. UNICEF. Every Child’s Birth Right: Inequities and Trends in Birth Registration. New York: UNICEF, 2013.
2. World Health Organization. WHO Guidelines on Ethical Issues in Public Health Surveillance. Geneva: WHO, 2017.
(Rh/SS/MSM)