Arunachal Pradesh Police Rescues 38 Individuals in Human Trafficking Case
Major Rescue Operation in Arunachal Pradesh
The latest development follows a major rescue operation in August, when Arunachal police rescued 19 children. (Image used for representational purpose)
Itanagar, Sep 6: In a significant operation, the Arunachal Pradesh Police have successfully rescued 38 individuals, including 34 minors, from various locations and apprehended four suspects linked to a suspected human trafficking ring.
The rescued children were found in areas such as Aalo, Mechuka, Pasighat, Naharlagun, Itanagar, and Longding within Arunachal Pradesh, as well as in Assam, according to officials on Sunday.
Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley reported that four alleged traffickers have been detained, with the most recent arrest being Rupali Padung, who is under investigation for her suspected involvement in the transportation and illegal placement of the victims.
This case, which was filed at the Namsai Police Station last month, is currently being investigated by Namsai Deputy Superintendent of Police Kengo Dirchi, under the supervision of Thinley, in collaboration with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) of Namsai.
Officials indicated that the investigation aims to uncover a broader trafficking network, track financial transactions, analyze electronic evidence, and identify additional connections.
Parents, guardians, and individuals associated with the placement of the victims are also being scrutinized, with further legal actions anticipated based on the evidence collected.
The CWC and DCPU are currently providing care, protection, counseling, and rehabilitation support to the rescued minors, as stated by the SP.
Thinley emphasized that the identities of the minors are being safeguarded in accordance with legal requirements as the investigation progresses.
This recent operation follows a significant rescue in August, where 19 children, primarily under the age of eight, were saved from various locations in Arunachal Pradesh, leading to the arrest of three women believed to be facilitators in the trafficking network.
The three suspects were identified as Gumnya Kochung, Marta Ete, and Neha Gerory. The children were rescued from Mechuka in Shi-Yomi district, Aalo in West Siang, Pasighat in East Siang, Naharlagun, Itanagar, and Longding, according to police reports.
Authorities noted that the rescue of the 19 children was just the beginning, as teams continue to search for other victims and identify more individuals potentially involved in the trafficking operation.