New Delhi, April 9 -- The Supreme Court has raised grave concern over rising cases of child trafficking and told states and Union Territories that gangs are operating across the country and not to take child trafficking lightly.

A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan said if states and Union Territories do not take immediate action, things will go beyond control.

Only the state government and its Home Department can act vigilantly in this regard, the bench said during the hearing of a plea on Wednesday.

Justice JB Pardiwala said, "Kindly take this issue very, very seriously. Child trafficking is at a rampage. There are gangs operating across the country. If you all don't pay attention to this, things will be beyond control...