New Delhi/Katni: In a major rescue operation, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) saved 163 minor boys from a suspected trafficking attempt aboard the Patna-Purna Express in Katni district of Madhya Pradesh.
The children, aged between 6 and 13 years, were allegedly being transported from Bihar to Latur in Maharashtra, where they were suspected to be pushed into forced labour. Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.
Joint Operation Based on Intelligence Input
The rescue was carried out following a tip-off from the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Acting swiftly, the RPF and GRP launched a joint overnight operation at Katni Railway Station.
Officials intercepted a group of eight men traveling with the children without valid tickets or proper documentation, raising suspicion. The operation continued into the early hours of Sunday, ultimately leading to the safe rescue of all 163 minors.
RPF Katni Inspector Virendra Singh stated that intelligence inputs indicated possible child trafficking, prompting heightened vigilance and coordinated action.
Children Packed in Sleeper Coaches
According to officials, the children were traveling in the sleeper class of the train, with nearly 50 children crowded into a single coach, highlighting the inhumane conditions of the journey.
Preliminary findings suggest that the children were from the Araria region of Bihar and were being transported over a long distance under questionable circumstances.
Accused Claim ‘Educational Purpose’
The arrested individuals have claimed that they were taking the children to a madrasa in Latur for educational purposes. However, authorities remain skeptical due to the absence of documentation and the large number of minors being transported together.
Station House Officer L.P. Kashyap confirmed that both the children and the accused belong to the same community, and investigations are ongoing to verify the claims made by the accused.
Case Registered Under BNS for Child Trafficking
The GRP has registered a case under Section 143(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with trafficking of minors.
All eight accused, who hail from different districts of Bihar, are currently in custody. Authorities suspect that the children were being taken to Maharashtra to be engaged in manual labour, though further investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of the network.
Authorities Probe Larger Trafficking Network
Officials believe that this may not be an isolated incident and are probing the possibility of a larger trafficking racket operating across states.
The rescued children have been handed over to child welfare authorities for care, counseling, and further verification of their backgrounds.
Swift Action Prevents Major Tragedy
The timely intervention by RPF and GRP not only thwarted a suspected trafficking attempt but also saved 163 young lives from potential exploitation.
The operation underscores the importance of intelligence-based policing and inter-agency coordination in tackling crimes such as child trafficking and forced labour.
