Rescue of Minor Girls from Human Trafficking in Dhubri

In a troubling case from Dhubri, Assam, seven minor girls were rescued from a brick kiln in Bihar where they faced severe abuse. The girls, part of a larger group of bonded laborers, were brought back home under police escort after legal formalities. The investigation revealed shocking allegations against the kiln owner and his associates, leading to their arrest. Authorities are now focused on the rehabilitation of the survivors, ensuring their safety and well-being. This incident highlights the ongoing issues of human trafficking and labor exploitation in the region, prompting calls for stricter measures against the perpetrators.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 4, 2026, 18:50 IST

Dhubri District's Disturbing Case of Human Trafficking

The rescued girls arrive at the District Child Protection Officer's office. (AT Photo)

Dhubri, Aug 4: Seven minor girls from the Dhubri district of Assam were rescued from a brick kiln in Bihar, where they reportedly faced sexual and physical abuse. They returned to their home district on Tuesday, escorted by Bihar Police.

After fulfilling all legal requirements, the girls were handed over to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

Officials revealed that these girls were part of a group of 47 bonded laborers, including both adults and children from economically disadvantaged families in Dhubri. They had migrated to Bihar approximately five to six months ago seeking employment at the Star Marka Eint Bhatta located in Dhamsaini, under the jurisdiction of Kahara police station in Saharsa district.

The situation came to light in April when workers reported being confined at the kiln, forced to labor without pay, and subjected to inhumane treatment.

They accused the kiln owner, Md. Owais Qarni, also known as "Chunna Mukhia," along with his associates, of physically assaulting laborers and repeatedly sexually abusing the seven minor girls.

The Bihar Police arrested the accused under the relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and legal proceedings against him and his associates are ongoing in a Bihar court.

Authorities stated that the allegations emerged following an incident on March 27, when a female laborer was reportedly shot in the leg by members of the kiln management.

Several workers managed to escape and, with assistance from local residents, filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the Bihar Police, prompting a rescue operation.

While all 47 rescued laborers returned to Dhubri in April, the seven girls remained in a government shelter home in Saharsa for medical care, protection, and legal support as the investigation continued.

Nur Alom, the Protection Officer of the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) in Dhubri, stated that the girls were repatriated only after all necessary procedures were completed collaboratively by the authorities from both states.

"The Bihar Government, the Saharsa Child Protection Unit, and the Dhubri Child Protection Unit worked together to finalize all verification processes before the girls were sent back to Dhubri. They will be handed over to their legal guardians once document verification is complete. Our team will also conduct regular home visits to ensure their safety and rehabilitation," Alom explained.

One parent of a survivor expressed gratitude to the authorities for the rescue while calling for strict action against those responsible.

"Our daughters went there seeking a means to support themselves. We never imagined they would endure such horrific treatment. We are thankful to the police and administration for their efforts in rescuing them. We hope the accused faces the harshest penalties to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies," the parent stated.

Officials confirmed that the criminal investigation in Bihar is ongoing, with multiple cases against the accused and his associates, while child protection authorities are focused on the rehabilitation and long-term welfare of the survivors.