Child trafficking case: Another Visakhapatnam hospital under scanner

VISAKHAPATNAM: Investigation into the child trafficking case linked to

Universal Srusti Hospital has taken a twist in course of the weekend.

Police now suspect a link between the accused and Padmaja Hospital at

Seethammadhara. Police and medical teams searched the hospital on

Saturday night and seized some documents.

A week ago, MR Peta police arrested six people including Dr P Namrata,

managing director of Universal Srusti Hospital and Dr Tirmala, an

employee of the hospital, for allegedly selling off a baby to a Kolkatabased couple.

In course of investigation, police have found that the group may have

been involved in five other child trafficking cases. Searches were carried

out at Universal Srusti Fertility and Research Centre on July 26 and documents were seized.

The investigation revealed that Universal Srusti Hospital has performed a total of 56 deliveries till date and referred some

deliveries to Padmaja Hospital in Seethammadhara, thereby linking the hospital to the case. Police have observed that the

management of Padmaja Hospital has not maintained proper records.

Speaking to TOI, DCP Aishwarya Rastogi said that the child trafficking case will require a wide investigation. “We are

investigating the case in multiple aspects to ascertain the number of babies sold. We will examine the seized documents and

look into the alleged role of other hospitals in the case,” the DCP said.

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