The Matunga Police have made another arrest in connection with the ongoing investigation into the interstate child trafficking racket. The accused, identified as Beena Tandel, a 32-year-old nurse from Karnataka, is the 11th person to be arrested in the case.
According to senior police officials, Tandel has been involved in the racket for the past three years, working closely with the prime accused, Nadaph. During interrogation, Tandel confessed to selling three children, two in collaboration with Nadaph and one on her own. All three were reportedly sold in Pune. Following this revelation, Matunga Police have informed Pune Police and child welfare organisations for further investigation.
Investigators have revealed that Tandel was employed at a hospital in Karnataka for several years, where she came into contact with Nadaph. So far, evidence suggests Tandel was directly involved in the sale of two out of four children identified in the investigation. Police suspect that the racket’s network extends to multiple regions across Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra. They believe several more children may have been trafficked, and efforts are underway to uncover further details.
Additionally, police have uncovered evidence linking a Karnataka-based doctor to the racket. Sources indicate that the doctor may also be involved in other child trafficking operations. Mumbai Police are coordinating with Karnataka Police to gather evidence and take necessary action.
Last week, Matunga Police uncovered the racket after receiving a tip about a child being sold in Mumbai. The investigation is ongoing.
