RPF Rescues 36 Minors From Human Traffickers, Seizes Narcotic Material Worth Lakhs, 7 Held

During various checking drives, the RPF of Northeast Frontier Railway has rescued 42 persons including 36 minors from human traffickers.

Guwahati: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has successfully rescued 42 persons including 36 minors, two mentally retarded men, two women and two girls, during various checking drives, conducted between May 16 and May 22, 2023, from different trains and railway stations under the NF Railway jurisdiction. The RPF also apprehended two persons who were involved in cases related to human trafficking. 

The drives were conducted at different locations in Katihar, Purnea, Barsoi, Kumedpur, New Bongaigaon, Rangiya, Kamakhya, Guwahati, Mariani, Tinsukia, New Jalpaiguri, New Tinsukia and Dimapur railway stations. 

All the rescued victims were later handed over to the respective child line centers as per norms for safe custody and subsequent handover to their respective family members after proper verification. 

On May 17, 2023, the RPF jointly with teams of the Bal Bachao Andolan, and the Government Railway Police (GRP) of Purnea, conducted a drive at the Purnea railway station and successfully rescued seven minor boys and apprehended two human traffickers from the spot. 

The human traffickers along with the rescued victims were handed over to GRP, Purnea for further course of action. 

On the other hand, the RPF on May 20 and 21, 2023, conducted drives against the transportation of illegal contraband items at Agartala, Chaparmukh and Badarpur railway stations, trains and recovered a consignment of narcotic substances. 

The RPF recovered approximately 69 kilograms of cannabis valued at Rs 6.9 lakhs in the grey market. The RPF team also apprehended five persons for possessing the narcotic substance. 

All the accused along with the seized items were later handed over to the local police through the GRP for further course of action.