Lucknow Newborn Sale Case: Two Doctors Booked as Police Probe Alleged ₹3 Lakh Baby Sale and Forged Hospital Records

Lucknow Police are investigating an alleged ₹3 lakh newborn sale after Child Helpline uncovered the suspected illegal transfer of an infant boy through St. Mary's Polyclinic in Gudamba. Police allege forged hospital records were created to falsely identify another woman as the child's biological mother. An FIR has been registered against five accused, including the child's biological mother, the woman who allegedly received the baby, two doctors, and the clinic's management.

The case surfaced after Child Helpline received information on August 3. A joint investigation involving Child Helpline, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), and Gudamba Police traced the infant to a residence in Shanti Vihar, Phoolbag Colony, where investigators recovered the child. The inquiry remains ongoing.

According to the FIR, investigators identified the infant as the biological son of Aarti Devi, wife of Rajesh Nigam, a resident of Bahadurpur in Gudamba. Police allege that Aarti handed over the newborn to Renu Sharma in exchange for ₹3 lakh, which investigators suspect was intended to help finance the construction of Aarti's house.

Gudamba SHO Anjani Mishra told The New Indian Express, "The couple already had four children and did not want to raise a fifth child. They also wanted a house of their own, which led to the deal."

Police have booked Aarti Devi, Renu Sharma, Dr. Shalu, Dr. Vinod, and the management of St. Mary's Polyclinic under Sections 80 and 81 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, along with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to alleged forgery, cheating, and other offences.

Police allege that admission, delivery, and medical records were falsified to identify Renu Sharma as the child's biological mother, despite her not undergoing pregnancy or delivery at St. Mary's Polyclinic. Investigators have seized Aadhaar-linked documents, delivery records, vaccination records, and other hospital documents as part of the inquiry.

Both women and the infant were brought to the Women's Help Desk at Gudamba Police Station, where officials video graphed their statements. Mishra also said police have written to the Lucknow Chief Medical Officer (CMO) seeking a detailed inquiry into the role of the clinic and its medical staff.

According to India Today, investigators are examining hospital birth and discharge records, digital evidence, and financial transactions connected to the case. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Kiran Yadav said DNA fingerprinting may be conducted, if required, to establish the child's biological parentage. Investigators are also examining whether the case has links to a broader child trafficking network.

Under Sections 80 and 81 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the sale or procurement of children is a punishable offence aimed at preventing child trafficking, illegal adoption, and exploitation.

According to The CSR Journal, the newborn has been placed under the care of the Child Welfare Committee and shifted to the Government Children's Home in Hazratganj while the investigation continues.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the accused have not been tested before a court of law. Police said further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.

(Rh/TP/MSM)