Child Sold for Rs 40,000: Patna Police Rescue Toddler, Arrest 4

Patna: In a major breakthrough, Patna Police have recovered a 2.5-year-old boy who was stolen from the Malsalami police station area of Patna City last month. The child was traced to Saran district, and four individuals—including two women—have been arrested in connection with the abduction and sale of the minor.

The child’s mother, Khushboo, had lodged a formal complaint at the Malsalami police station on May 24 after her efforts to retrieve the child through informal negotiations with the accused failed. Acting swiftly, the police traced the suspects and rescued the child within 24 hours of the complaint.

Those arrested include Sonu Yadav, a resident of Patna City, and Rupa Devi, a nurse employed at a private nursing home in Danapur. During interrogation, the duo admitted to kidnapping and selling the child to a couple in Saran — Pankaj Kumar and Pooja Devi — who have also been arrested.

According to police, the deal was struck for ₹40,000, out of which ₹20,000 had already been paid to the intermediaries. The remaining amount was to be paid later.

“The child was kidnapped on April 18, but the family delayed filing a complaint as they were initially in contact with the accused and hoped the child would be returned,” said Sunil Kumar, officer-in-charge of Malsalami police station. “Once they realized they were being misled, they approached us, and we took immediate action.”

The police launched simultaneous raids in Patna City and Saran and apprehended all four accused. The child was found safe and has been reunited with his family.

Authorities suspect the involvement of a larger child trafficking network and have begun further investigations to identify other members potentially linked to the gang. The accused are currently in police custody.