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Itanagar, Feb 20: In a significant development, the Itanagar Police have successfully uncovered a child trafficking operation spanning multiple states, rescuing three young girls and apprehending six suspects linked to a case filed at the Women Police Station (WPS) in Itanagar. Authorities reported that two additional minors remain missing.

The case was initiated under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, alongside Section 14(1) of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, and Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Police became aware of the situation on February 7 when a seven-year-old girl was discovered injured in F-Sector. She was initially taken to the WPS and subsequently admitted to RK Mission Hospital for a medical evaluation.

The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for the Capital Complex was promptly informed. The CWC chairperson and a counselor provided psychological assistance to the child at ‘Ane’s Home’ located within the WPS. During counseling sessions, the child revealed instances of physical abuse and exploitation, which led to the identification of a trafficking ring.

A formal complaint was filed by the CWC Chairperson. Investigations indicated that the minor had been trafficked from Assam and forced to work as a domestic helper, where she endured severe mistreatment. She managed to escape on the night of February 6 due to the unbearable conditions.

Further investigations revealed a systematic operation involving the transfer and sale of minors from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh over several years. Authorities discovered that these children were 'sold' through cash transactions without any legal adoption processes, leaving them without education, identity documents, or basic rights. Many were forced into domestic work and faced exploitation and abuse, with multiple children from the same families trafficked to different homes.

Through diligent investigation and collaboration, police teams rescued three minor girls from various locations, arrested six individuals allegedly involved in the trafficking and exploitation, and issued notices to three additional suspects under Section 35(3) of the BNSS.

The rescued children were presented to the CWC and relocated to recognized shelter homes for their care and rehabilitation.

Emphasizing a strict zero-tolerance stance against crimes targeting children, including trafficking and child labor, the Capital Police urged the community to refrain from hiring minors as domestic workers through agents or intermediaries. Residents are also encouraged to report any information regarding child trafficking or abuse to the nearest police station or the child helpline at 1098.