Nursing Home Owner Among Four Arrested in Udupi Illegal Adoption Case
Police in Udupi have arrested four people, including a nursing home owner, for their involvement in an illegal adoption racket. The suspects allegedly created forged documents to bypass legal adoption processes. The infant is now in the care of state authorities.
Highlights
- •Four individuals, including Dr. K Surendra Kamath, arrested in Udupi for illegal adoption.
- •The accused allegedly created forged documents to falsify the child's birth records.
- •The case emerged after the Child Welfare Department investigated a couple raising an infant without legal proof.
- •Police are currently searching for the biological parents and investigating the financial motives behind the trafficking.
Authorities in Udupi have successfully uncovered a troubling illegal adoption case that has led to the arrest of four individuals, including a medical professional. The investigation highlights significant concerns regarding the bypass of formal legal frameworks for child adoption, raising alarms about the safety and regulation of such sensitive processes.
Details of the Illegal Adoption Racket
The individuals taken into custody include Dr. K Surendra Kamath, who operates Kamath Nursing Home, alongside S. Prakash, a resident of Santhekatte, who allegedly secured the infant. Additionally, two others, Sampath and Supreethi, have been arrested for their reported roles in facilitating the unlawful transfer of the baby girl. The illegal adoption case came to the attention of the Child Welfare Department after reports surfaced concerning a couple raising a child without any authorized legal documentation.
Following a verification visit to the residence, authorities became suspicious and initiated a formal investigation. The inquiry revealed that S. Prakash and his wife, who have been married for 11 years and were childless, had been seeking medical assistance at Kamath Nursing Home. During their treatment, they reportedly connected with Dr. K Surendra Kamath to arrange the adoption of an infant.
Forged Documents and Legal Consequences
Investigators allege that Dr. Kamath played a central role in the scheme, agreeing to hand over the infant and helping to create falsified records. These fabricated documents were intended to deceive authorities by falsely claiming the baby was born to the couple. Using these illegal papers, the accused allegedly obtained a birth certificate from the local civic body to legitimize the child's presence in their home.
During the initial questioning, the couple indicated they were unaware of the identity of the infant’s biological parents. Police now suspect that the group collaborated to move the child outside the established legal adoption framework specifically for financial gain. A case has been officially registered at the Udupi Women's Police Station, with charges filed under sections pertaining to child trafficking, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.
The infant is currently under the care and protection of the relevant authorities. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are continuing their efforts to locate the child's biological parents. They are also investigating whether additional individuals were involved in this illegal adoption case or if this operation was part of a broader, organized network.
