Police uncover alleged child trafficking network during probe into toddler’s abduction from Bareilly temple; Gangsters Act to be invoked against accused
In a major breakthrough, the Bareilly Police have dismantled an alleged child trafficking racket and arrested six people, including a nurse accused of masterminding the operation. The network was uncovered during an investigation into the abduction of a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler from the Manauna Dham temple complex in Bareilly.
According to police officials, the nurse allegedly acted as the kingpin of an organised child trafficking syndicate that targeted vulnerable women and facilitated the illegal sale of newborn babies. Authorities stated that the racket involved a network of middlemen, fake medical practitioners, and individuals tasked with sourcing and supplying children to prospective buyers.
The case came to light after the rescue of toddler Rishabh, who was abducted from the temple complex on May 24. Police arrested two alleged abductors on May 26 following an encounter and successfully recovered the child. During interrogation, the accused reportedly revealed that they had been promised Rs 60,000 to kidnap a child for a childless couple.
Investigation Reveals Larger Trafficking Network
Further investigation exposed a wider network allegedly operating across multiple districts. Police said Uttam Bajpai, a resident of Lakhimpur, coordinated the abduction on the instructions of two alleged fake doctors based in Sitapur and Maigalganj in Lakhimpur Kheri.
According to investigators, the two fake doctors allegedly arranged children for the trafficking network, while the abducted toddler was intended to be handed over to the nurse working at a medical college in Bareilly, who allegedly served as the main supplier in the racket.
Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya stated that the accused were operating an organised criminal enterprise focused on child theft and trafficking.
“Since the accused were carrying out this activity in an organised manner, action under the Gangsters Act will be initiated against them,” Arya said.
Nurse’s Links With Hospitals and IVF Centres Under Scanner
Police revealed that the arrested nurse, originally from Dataganj in Badaun district and currently residing in Mirganj, allegedly maintained connections with several private hospitals and IVF centres across the country.
Investigators are analysing her call records to determine the full extent of the network and identify additional accomplices. Authorities suspect that the gang may have been involved in trafficking newborns through a well-established system involving healthcare facilities and intermediaries.
Vulnerable Pregnant Women Allegedly Targeted
According to police findings, the gang allegedly approached unmarried pregnant women seeking discreet medical assistance. The women were reportedly assured support during childbirth, after which their newborn babies were allegedly sold to buyers through the trafficking network.
Officials said different members of the syndicate performed specific roles, including identifying vulnerable women, arranging newborns, and connecting sellers with prospective purchasers.
Toddler Rejected Due to Age, Police Say
The earlier investigation into Rishabh’s abduction revealed that the accused had surveyed fairs and markets in Bareilly and Shahjahanpur before carrying out the kidnapping.
Police further disclosed that the alleged gang leader ultimately refused to accept the abducted toddler after discovering his age, reportedly believing that the child was old enough to remember his biological parents.
More Arrests Likely as Probe Expands
Superintendent of Police (South) Anshika Verma said investigators have found possible links between the gang and multiple private medical facilities and IVF centres.
So far, six identified accused have been arrested. However, police believe more members of the trafficking network may emerge as the investigation progresses.
Authorities have dispatched teams to Lakhimpur, Sitapur, and other districts to track down alleged associates and identify properties suspected to have been acquired through illegal activities. Officials also confirmed that proceedings to attach illegally obtained assets are being initiated as part of the ongoing crackdown.
