Assam Railway Authorities Thwart Human Trafficking Attempt at Tinsukia Station

In a significant operation, Assam railway authorities successfully disrupted a human trafficking attempt at Tinsukia station, rescuing 26 minor girls and young women. The joint effort by the Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police led to the detention of five suspects. The Assam government is actively addressing human trafficking through a new policy aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring their rights. This initiative highlights the ongoing challenges of trafficking in the region, particularly in tea garden areas, and emphasizes the need for a coordinated response to combat this issue effectively.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 16:10 IST

Major Human Trafficking Operation Foiled

Guwahati, August 1: In a notable achievement, railway officials in Assam successfully disrupted a human trafficking scheme at Tinsukia railway station, rescuing 26 minor girls and young women who were allegedly being trafficked to Tamil Nadu with counterfeit documents, as reported by officials on Friday.

This operation was a collaborative effort between the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRPF) and was conducted during a routine inspection.

Authorities apprehended five suspects, including both men and women, believed to be involved in the trafficking network.

During preliminary questioning, one suspect, identified as Bidyut Dutta, asserted that the victims were being transported to work in a textile factory in Tamil Nadu.

However, officials are approaching this claim with skepticism and are probing the broader implications of the trafficking operation.

Human trafficking continues to be a significant issue in Upper Assam, particularly in tea garden areas, where vulnerable families are often lured with false promises of jobs and financial support.

These individuals, especially children and young women, are frequently trafficked to other states for exploitative labor or worse.

In response, the Assam government has recently introduced a comprehensive state policy aimed at combating human trafficking and witch-hunting, demonstrating its commitment to creating a society free from exploitation and abuse.

This policy aims to foster a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can access their rights and services without fear.

It highlights trafficking and witch-hunting as crimes that disproportionately impact women and girls.

While trafficking is identified as an organized and rapidly growing criminal activity, witch-hunting is acknowledged as a deeply rooted social issue.

Assam's geographical position, bordering six northeastern states as well as Bangladesh and Bhutan, complicates the trafficking crisis, as noted in the policy.

The state has also enacted the Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2018, which categorizes the offense as cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.

The policy advocates for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach focusing on prevention, protection and rehabilitation of survivors, along with strict legal action against perpetrators.

The Department of Women and Child Development has been designated as the lead agency for executing the policy, with assistance from various departments and the establishment of committees at the state, district, and gaon panchayat levels to ensure grassroots intervention.