Ahmedabad: Gujarat police probing a recently busted inter-state child trafficking racket have found that a child’s skin colour and gender were key factors in deciding their “market value.”

Investigators revealed that fair-complexioned infants were sold for Rs 6–7 lakh, while darker-skinned children fetched Rs 2–3 lakh. Boys were in higher demand, with prices ranging from Rs 2–5 lakh, compared to Rs 1.5–2 lakh for girls.

The Gujarat–Telangana racket was uncovered by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch and Gujarat ATS after a January 29 operation rescued a newborn being taken from Himmatnagar to Hyderabad. Police intercepted a car near Ahmedabad airport and arrested four accused — Vandana Panchal, Sumit Yadav, Maulik Dave and Roshan Agrawal.

Officials suspect at least 10 children from Banaskantha and the Vav-Tharad belt were sold to childless couples in Hyderabad, with the gang targeting vulnerable tribal areas. The probe is now focused on the money trail and the role of agents and IVF-linked contacts. Cases have been registered under the BNS and the Juvenile Justice Act. DeshGujarat