In a shocking incident in Pune's Yerawada, a couple allegedly sold their 40-day-old baby girl for Rs 3.5 lakh.
In connection with the case, Yerawada Police have arrested six individuals, including the infant’s parents, the woman who bought the baby and others.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Minal Omkar Sapkal (30), Omkar Audumbar Sapkal (29), both resident of Bibwewadi, Sahil Afzal Bagwan (27), Reshma Shankar Pansare (34), Sachin Ram Avtade (44), all residents of Yerawada and Deepali Vikas Phatangare (32), resident of Sangamner.
According to the police, Minal Sapkal has a five-year-old son from her first marriage and currently lives with Omkar Sapkal. On June 25, 2025, the couple had a baby girl. They were lured by a mediator who offered Rs 3.5 lakh in exchange for the infant. Later, the baby girl was handed over to Deepali Phatangare, and Rs 2 lakh was reportedly given to the parents via a mediator.
However, the couple later suspected that the mediator had kept a large amount of money for himself after selling their baby girl.
Over this matter, a dispute arose between them and then the Sapkal couple filed a police complaint claiming their baby had been kidnapped.
Based on their complaint, police began an investigation and tracked down Sahil Afzal Bagwan, Reshma Shankar Pansare, Sachin Rama Avtade and Deepali Phatangare.
Upon questioning them, they admitted to committing the crime and revealed that the baby was not kidnapped, but she was sold by her own parents.
Yerawada Police Station’s Senior Inspector Ravindra Shelke, speaking to The Free Press Journal, said, "Phatangare had taken custody of the baby without following any legal adoption procedures. Charges have been filed against all the accused for human trafficking and illegal sale of a minor. Initially, the parents filed a complaint claiming their daughter had been abducted. But during the investigation, it was found that they themselves had illegally sold the baby girl."
"Phatangare is married, so why she purchased the baby girl is part of the investigation. Soon, the nexus will be busted, and strict action will be taken. A case has been filed against them under the relevant sections of BNS," he added.
