Disturbing Incident in Bhandara: Doctor Accused of Selling Newborn
Allegations Against a Private Hospital Doctor
In a troubling case from Maharashtra’s Gondia district, a doctor at a private hospital has been charged with the sale of a 10-day-old newborn girl for Rs 2.5 lakh. The doctor reportedly misled the parents, claiming he would facilitate medical treatment through an NGO. Authorities have identified five individuals in connection with the case, and one suspect has been arrested.
Current Status of the Investigation
As per a recent report from UNII, the main suspect is currently on the run, prompting police to mobilize teams to locate him. Concerns have also emerged regarding the legitimacy of the accused’s medical qualifications.
Discovery of the Newborn
The incident was initially uncovered on February 2, when an anonymous caller alerted the Child Welfare Department’s helpline about a newborn girl residing in Padharabodi village, Mohadi taluka, Bhandara district. Officials from the Child Helpline responded and found the infant at the home of Malti Prakash Waghmare.
Sequence of Events Following the Discovery
On February 3, Malti Waghmare was summoned by the Women and Child Welfare Department but failed to appear. This led to police involvement. During their inquiries, locals informed officers that a woman had departed with the baby in a vehicle.
Upon receiving this information, police intercepted a car at Kushari Phata, finding Pournima Dhurve traveling with the infant. The occupants of the car were unable to provide valid documentation or satisfactory explanations regarding the child’s parents.
Parents’ Claims and Findings
The biological parents of the baby later approached the Child Welfare Committee on February 4, claiming that their premature child had been taken to the doctor in Gondia for treatment. They stated that the doctor had informed them that, due to their inability to afford medical expenses, he would arrange treatment in Nagpur through an NGO. Investigations, however, indicated that the infant was allegedly sold instead.
Financial Transactions and Legal Actions
According to police reports, the baby was transferred to Malti Waghmare, who allegedly paid Rs 1 lakh via demand draft to co-accused Laleshwari Sadepach, with the remaining amount paid in cash. An FIR has been filed at Varthi police station against the doctor, Laleshwari Sadepach, Malti Waghmare, Pournima Dhurve, and Umesh Singh Gahalot under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Laleshwari Sadepach has been arrested, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other suspects. Deputy Superintendent of Police Shivam Visapure confirmed that the investigation is thorough and has established the alleged transaction amount as Rs 2.5 lakh.