Human Trafficking Attempt Foiled at India-Nepal Border; Two Minors Rescued
A major human trafficking attempt was thwarted at the India-Nepal border, leading to the rescue of two minors from Mizoram.
Kolkata, October 12 (Daily Kiran) : Authorities in Kolkata reported a significant human trafficking attempt thwarted at the India-Nepal border, resulting in the rescue of two minor girls from Mizoram. The operation was carried out by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), which apprehended two suspects, one of whom is believed to be the mastermind behind the trafficking network.
On the evening of October 11, the SSB’s Border Intelligence Team, stationed at the New Bridge in Panitanki, West Bengal, intercepted a vehicle heading to Nepal. The car had three occupants: Mahesh Bhuralal Tanna (61) from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the driver Naveen Kumar (34) from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, and a 17-year-old girl from Mizoram.
During initial questioning, the girl stated she was traveling to Nepal with Tanna, a friend of her father, for shopping and to visit a casino. She revealed that she had been living in a rented flat in the Salugara area with Tanna for some time. Tanna had allegedly promised her a job at a spa in Mumbai or Goa.
However, the SSB grew suspicious of the situation. They alerted the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit at their Ranidanga sector headquarters and the local NGO Kosi Lok Manch for further investigation.
Upon deeper questioning, Tanna admitted that an agent from Mizoram had sent the girl to him about ten days prior. He claimed she was hired for domestic work at a monthly salary of 4,000 rupees due to her minor status.
Further investigation revealed troubling evidence on Tanna’s iPhone, which contained inappropriate images and videos of the girl and another unidentified minor in a “recently deleted” folder. This raised concerns about potential sexual exploitation under the guise of employment.
When confronted with this evidence, Tanna admitted that another minor girl was also residing in his rented flat in Salugara. The SSB quickly informed local police and the NGO team, as Salugara is outside their jurisdiction.
Police and the Kosi Lok Manch team raided the flat, successfully rescuing the second minor girl. Both girls were then taken to Khariabari Rural Hospital for medical examination.
Following the rescue, both minors, along with Tanna, Kumar, and the seized vehicle, were handed over to Khariabari police station. An FIR has been filed, and further investigations are underway.
