Chennai: Mother Arrested for Selling Newborn Girl to Childless Couple for INR 4 Lakh
Police in Chennai have rescued a two-day-old infant girl and arrested seven individuals, including the child's mother, following an investigation into an illegal adoption racket.
Chennai police have rescued a two-day-old baby girl who was allegedly sold to a childless couple from Andhra Pradesh for INR 4 lakh and arrested seven people in connection with the case, including the infant's mother and the managing director of a private hospital. Police said hospital records were allegedly altered to show the Andhra couple as the child's biological parents, TOI reported.
Baby Handed Over a Day After Birth
According to police, the baby was born at a private hospital in Villivakkam on August 18. Her mother, Pavithra, 23, allegedly handed over the newborn to the Andhra Pradesh couple the following day in the presence of intermediaries. Police later recovered the infant from the couple and brought her back to Chennai. Biryani Vessel, Red Suitcase and Dismembered Body: Agra Train Murder Probe Leads to Chennai House.
Investigators said Pavithra was facing financial difficulties. Her husband, Ganesan, 25, was unemployed and had been in Puzhal prison for more than eight months in connection with a criminal case. Pavithra already has a son and became pregnant with her second child in December.
Intermediaries Allegedly Arranged the Deal
Police said Pavithra discussed her financial problems with her neighbour Dhanam, 50, who allegedly suggested handing over the unborn child to a childless couple in return for money. Dhanam reportedly introduced Pavithra to Aandal, a nurse associated with a private hospital. The intermediaries allegedly then arranged for the baby to be handed over to Selvarasi, 30, and Gnanasekaran, 35, from Andhra Pradesh. Chennai Shocker: Woman Strangled to Death by Daughter’s Boyfriend for Not Accepting Their Relationship.
The couple reportedly agreed to cover medical expenses and paid ₹4 lakh after the baby's birth. Police said another account placed their total expenditure, including pregnancy-related expenses, at around ₹9 lakh.
Hospital Records Allegedly Altered
Investigators said ₹50,000 each was allegedly paid as commission to Aandal and hospital receptionist Durga, 43, who helped facilitate the arrangement. Police further alleged that hospital records were altered to show Selvarasi as the biological mother of the newborn. The alleged manipulation of medical records is now a key part of the investigation. The role of hospital administrator Visalakshi, 45, and managing director Dr Rajasekaran, 40, is also being investigated.
Seven Arrested, Probe Underway
The seven arrested have been identified as Pavithra; Selvarasi and Gnanasekaran; mediators Dhanam, Visalakshi and Aandal; and Dr Rajasekaran. Police are investigating the alleged involvement of others in arranging the transaction and altering the hospital records.
The case came to light after information about the alleged sale reached the Chennai District Child Protection Unit (North). Malarvizhi, a social worker with the unit, filed a complaint with Villivakkam police, following which the investigation was launched.
The rescued infant has since been brought back to Chennai as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her birth, transfer and the alleged financial transaction.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2026 07:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).