Thane Crime: Out On Bail, Man Arrested Again In Badlapur For Alleged Newborn Trafficking; WhatsApp Chats Reveal Shocking Details

Thane: A 23-year-old man, Tushar Salvi, was arrested in Badlapur for allegedly trafficking and selling newborn babies. The arrest, according to reports quoting cops, was purely accidental but may have exposed a larger child trafficking operation. Salvi had previously been arrested in 2023 along with five others by Thane police in a case involving child abduction and sale. He was granted bail in March that same year.

WhatsApp Chats Revealed Involvement In Illegal Child Trade

The investigation is currently being led by Inspector Dhananjay More of the Badlapur (West) police station. He revealed that WhatsApp conversations and financial transactions found on Salvi’s phone suggest ongoing involvement in illegal child trade. “We found communication that strongly points to the sale of infants, and the financial records indicate he received money possibly linked to these transactions,” More informed the Times of India. He also added that Salvi appears to have connections to a network involved in illicit surrogacy practices.

Salvi Was Held For Dumping Fruit Waste & Garbage In Forest Area

Interestingly, Salvi’s arrest took place from an unrelated incident. He had been selling watermelons near a forested area in Badlapur. When forest officials stopped him from dumping fruit waste and garbage in the area, Salvi alleged they were demanding bribes. He made a video accusing them of corruption, which later went viral on social media. Following this, senior forest department officials initiated a probe into the allegations and summoned Salvi for questioning.

During the inquiry, forest officials reportedly came across WhatsApp messages on Salvi’s phone suggesting involvement in child trafficking. They promptly informed the local police, which led to his arrest.

Police officials confirmed that the evidence points to a wider criminal operation. “Based on the content of the chats, we believe there could be a larger gang involved in abducting and selling children,” stated an officer close to the investigation, as per the report.

Salvi was presented before a magistrate and has been remanded to police custody until April 9. Cops are now working to identify other individuals linked to the case, tracing both digital communication and bank transfers.