Tinsukia: Police in upper Assam arrested nine individuals and rescued two children, exposing a human trafficking racket that preyed on vulnerable families.
The rescue mission, carried out in collaboration with authorities from Arunachal Pradesh, brought to light the harrowing plight of children sold into trafficking.
The operation was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Nishita Jagtap and Sub-Inspector Riyaz Ali from Tinsukia, who acted on intelligence inputs about missing children in the tea garden areas of the district.
The two children were traced to Naharlagun, a town in Arunachal Pradesh, where they had been sold by the traffickers.
According to police, the trafficking gang targeted impoverished families in tea garden communities, offering money in exchange for their children under the guise of providing them with a better future.
The children, however, were later sold in other states for large sums of money.
“The gang exploited the financial hardships of families, especially in remote areas, luring them with promises of financial assistance. The two rescued children were sold for Rs. 2 lakh,” a senior police officer revealed.
Authorities believe the gang has been active for an extended period and suspect their involvement in several similar cases across the region.
The arrested individuals are currently being interrogated, and police are optimistic about uncovering more victims and dismantling the entire network.
ALSO READ: Assam coal mine disaster: One arrested
The rescued children have been placed under the care of child welfare authorities, and efforts are underway to reunite them with their families.
This operation underscores the growing menace of human trafficking in vulnerable communities, where economic hardships often force families to make devastating choices.
The police have reaffirmed their commitment to curbing such crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Further investigations are ongoing, and officials are coordinating with authorities in other states to trace additional victims and prosecute those involved.
