Ludhiana Baby Girl Sold for Rs 2.10 Lakh, 5 Arrested in Trafficking

February 16, 2026

Ludhiana, Punjab: In a shocking infant trafficking case, police have arrested five people after a two‑day‑old baby girl was allegedly sold for ₹2.10 lakh in Ludhiana. The arrests include the baby’s mother and a BAMS doctor, exposing a disturbing network of intermediaries involved in the illegal transaction.

Sale of Newborn Exposed by Bystanders

The case came to light on February 15 when local residents on Neela Jhanda Road spotted a woman carrying a crying newborn in a public park. Suspicious of the situation, they questioned her. According to police, she allegedly admitted to having purchased the baby for ₹2.10 lakh, prompting bystanders to alert authorities.

Investigation Reveals Trafficking Chain

Police said the infant was born on February 13 at Arora Nursing Home near Baba Than Singh Chowk and was just two days old when the alleged deal took place.

Accused arrested include:

• Sunita Devi – the newborn’s mother (Sherpur Kalan)

• Parveen – alleged accomplice (Khud Mohalla)

• Manmeet Kaur – BAMS doctor (Punjab Mata Nagar)

• Ruchi – caretaker (Daba Road)

• Mandeep Kaur – buyer from Nangal village in Moga district

Police said Sunita already had four daughters and, facing family pressure, opted to give away her fifth child through intermediaries.

How the Deal Was Arranged

Investigators explained the alleged trafficking route: Sunita contacted a hospital nurse, who then involved Parveen. Parveen reportedly reached out to another nurse, who connected with an ASHA worker, and ultimately the information reached the BAMS doctor. The doctor then linked the group with Mandeep Kaur, who wanted to adopt a child.

Mandeep was told to pay ₹2.10 lakh, of which ₹1.5 lakh was to go to the mother and ₹60,000 as commission for others.

Public Alertness Helps Police

On the afternoon of February 15, the accused and buyer gathered at the park to complete the exchange. However, alert locals raised the alarm after spotting unusual activity and a distressed newborn. Police intervened just in time to arrest those present and unravel the trafficking network.

Further Probe Underway

Police are continuing their investigation. They are examining the possible involvement of staff at the nursing home where the baby was born. Additional legal action will be taken if further culpability is established during the probe.