Published Jul 28, 2026 | 3:35 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 28, 2026 | 3:35 PM
Representative image.
Synopsis: The Karnataka Police have arrested three people after uncovering an alleged illegal adoption racket during the investigation of a POCSO case involving the sexual abuse of a minor girl in Hubballi. Police said the survivor’s three-month-old baby had allegedly been sold for ₹2.5 lakh through a middleman before being traced to Mangaluru and rescued, while investigators also found that the minor is pregnant again.
The Karnataka Police have arrested three people after uncovering an alleged alleged illegal adoption racket during the investigation of a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case involving the sexual abuse of a minor girl in Hubballi.
The case was registered on 16 July. During the investigation, police suspected that the survivor’s newborn had been sold.
The infant, believed to be about three months old, was traced to Mangaluru and rescued. Investigators also found that the minor is pregnant again.
Police said the baby’s family initially claimed that the child was unwell and staying with relatives for treatment. The investigation later revealed that the infant had allegedly been sold through a middleman for ₹2.5 lakh.
The arrested have been identified as Abdul Karim Soudagar, accused of sexually abusing the minor; Jiyaual Nasawale, the alleged mediator who brokered the sale; and Manjunath Surangekar, the alleged buyer.
According to investigators, Nasawale allegedly approached the minor’s family after learning of the pregnancy and persuaded them to sell the baby by offering to bear all medical expenses.
Police said the investigation is continuing to identify others involved in the alleged racket.
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