Nalasopara: A private hospital in Nalasopara East has been sealed after a newborn was allegedly sold for Rs 40,000, a day after a 17-year-old girl gave birth. Tulinj police have registered a case against six people, including the minor’s mother, a doctor, the man accused of sexually assaulting the girl and a couple suspected of buying the baby.

According to police, the girl became pregnant following a relationship with a 22-year-old man from the same locality. After her mother learnt about the pregnancy, she was admitted to Surya Hospital in Santosh Bhuvan, Nalasopara East, on Sunday.

Police alleged that Dr Shaheen Shaikh conducted an illegal premature delivery at the private hospital. The newborn was allegedly handed over to a couple from Nalasopara for Rs 40,000 the following day, after which the girl was discharged and returned home.

On Monday, the girl complained of abdominal pain and was taken to Tulinj Hospital, run by the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation. Doctors there reportedly discovered that she had recently delivered a baby and alerted the police.

An investigation was subsequently launched, and the civic body sealed Surya Hospital. Officials said action would be taken against those involved in allegedly conducting illegal deliveries.

Police have arrested the 22-year-old man accused in the case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The alleged buyers, the doctor and other accused are also facing investigation over their suspected roles in the case.

The incident has raised concerns about the alleged illegal delivery and transfer of a newborn. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the birth and the alleged payment of Rs 40,000.