Tushar Salvi, 23, was taken into custody in Badlapur on charges of trafficking and selling newborns. Although police reports claim the arrest was an accident, it might have revealed a broader child trafficking enterprise. Salvi was previously detained by Thane police in 2023 in connection with a case involving the kidnapping and selling of children, along with five other individuals. That following year, in March, he was released on bail. Inspector Dhananjay More of the Badlapur (West) police station is leading the investigation of this case. He said that WhatsApp chats and financial transactions in the accused’s mobile phone showcase that he is involved in illegal child trafficking.
“We found communication that strongly points to the sale of infants, and the financial records indicate he received money possibly linked to these transactions. Salvi appears to have connections to a network involved in illicit surrogacy practices,” Inspector Dhananjay More told TOI.
He was arrested for throwing garbage and waste in the forest area. In Badlapur, he had been selling watermelons close to a forest area. Salvi claimed that forest officials demanded bribes when they prevented him from disposing of trash and fruit debris in the region. His video, which went viral on social media, accused them of corruption. Senior forest department officials then called for Salvi to be questioned as part of an investigation into the claims. Salvi's phone apparently had WhatsApp communications that suggested her involvement in child trafficking, which forest officials discovered during the investigation. He was arrested after they quickly alerted the local police.
Also Read: Delhi Shocker: 12-year-Old Allegedly Accused Van Driver of Sexually Assault, Arrested
The evidence, according to police officers, suggests a larger criminal business. According to the report, an officer close to the inquiry said, "Based on the content of the chats, we believe there could be a larger gang involved in abducting and selling children." After appearing before a court, Salvi was placed under police arrest until April 9. Police are already tracking financial transfers and internet communications in an effort to find other people connected to the case.