**Visakhapatnam**: The Visakhapatnam have uncovered the operations of an interstate gang involved in child trafficking, a case that has shocked the state of Andhra Pradesh. The gang, which spans several states including Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha, has been linked to the kidnapping and sale of children for substantial sums.According to City Police Commissioner Shankabrata Bagchi, 17 individuals have been arrested in connection with this case, and six children have been successfully rescued. The investigation reveals that these gangs, with experience in executing similar crimes in hospitals and clinics, are involved in a sophisticated network of child trafficking. The police have identified that the motive behind these crimes often includes various demands, with children being sold for amounts as high as 7 lakh rupees. Complicating matters, some cases involve the complicity of relatives and parents, further entangling the investigation.The breakthrough came when the task force received a tip-off about a child being sold in the Siripuram area. Following this lead, police discovered a bargaining deal for around 7 lakh rupees. Special teams were deployed to trace the origins of the child-selling syndicate, leading to significant evidence collection.In response to the revelations, police have heightened vigilance, particularly around government hospitals such as KGH and Ghosha Hospital. Inspections revealed deficiencies in 80 hospitals, highlighting the need for improved security measures to protect mothers and children. The police are now working to integrate all reports of missing children and abductions from hospitals to build a comprehensive understanding of the situation.