Meerut, June 3 -- An extensive child trafficking network allegedly involving a nurse, fake medical practitioners, middlemen, and links to private hospitals and IVF centres across multiple districts of Uttar Pradesh has come to the fore in Bareilly district.

The racket was unearthed when investigation began into the abduction of a toddler from a temple complex in Bareilly.

Police on Wednesday revealed that a nurse, identified as Sita, currently residing in Mirganj and originally from Dataganj in Badaun district, allegedly played a central role in a criminal syndicate that targeted vulnerable women and facilitated the illegal sale of newborn babies to childless couples.

The network came under scrutiny after the kidnapping of 18-month-old...