Namakkal baby sale racket: CB-CID seeks custody of suspect

Sources said Amuthavalli’s brother Nandakumar (39), who was wanted in connection with the case, had surrendered before a court in Tiruchy on May 16. He was then remanded to judicial custody.

Subsequently, the CB-CID has moved the court seeking ten days custody of Nandakumar. Police suspect that he played a role in the racket, which sold up to 30 babies, including 24 of the female gender, in the last few years.

The petition is likely to be taken up for hearing on Tuesday.  Police have so far arrested ten persons, including Amuthavalli, her husband Ravichandran, private hospital nurse Parveen, Primary Health Centre (PHC) ambulance driver Murugesan and brokers Arusamy and Leela.

Police recently arrested Reka, a beautician from Bengaluru, for her relationship with the gang.

Investigating officers said the babies were bought from impoverished parents from Kollimalai Hills in Namakkal district and sold to childless couples across Tamil Nadu. 

The babies were sold for varying prices based on their complexion, gender and health. The gang also allegedly arranged for birth certificates of babies in connivance with taluk officials on behalf of the childless couples.

The CB-CID sleuths believe that more persons were involved in the racket. Further arrests are likely to follow once the court grants the CB-CID custody of Nandakumar for questioning.