Udupi Police Arrest Doctor and Man in Illegal Baby Sale Case
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Udupi police have arrested two individuals, including a well-known doctor, in connection with the illegal adoption and sale of a one-month-old baby girl. The arrests follow a case registered at the Udupi Women's Police Station on June 22, after child welfare authorities uncovered irregularities in the child's custody.
The investigation began when officials from the Child Protection Unit and the Child Development Scheme, acting on a tip-off from district supervisor Prakash and Purnima of the Brahmavar office, visited a home in Subrahmanya Nagar, Santhekatte-Nejaru, on June 19. They found a couple, identified as S. Prakash (50) and his wife Purnima, raising an infant girl without any legal adoption papers. During questioning, the couple gave suspicious answers, prompting a deeper probe.
Authorities learned that Prakash and Purnima, married for 11 years and childless, were patients at Kamat Nursing Home in Udupi. According to the police, Purnima's elder sister Lakshmi learned of a newborn available at the hospital and contacted Dr. K. Surendra Kamat (76), the nursing home's doctor. Dr. Kamat allegedly arranged for the baby girl to be handed over to the couple about a month ago and later provided a birth certificate for the child. The couple admitted they do not know the infant's biological parents.
Preliminary findings suggest the accused conspired to create fake documents and engaged in child trafficking for illegal financial gain. A case has been registered under Indian Penal Code sections 143(4), 61, 318(2), and 3(5), along with Section 81 of the Juvenile Justice Act. Police have arrested Dr. K. Surendra Kamat of Bannanje and S. Prakash of Nejaru Santhekatte. Two more suspects are being sought as investigations continue.
📰 Source: Udupi Times