Itanagar, August 26: The Arunachal Pradesh police have launched a significant operation against an alleged child trafficking network, successfully rescuing 19 children. Three women have been arrested in connection with the case, accused of acting as intermediaries and assisting network operators.
Police officials reported that a special investigation team (SIT) recovered the children from various locations across the state, including Mechuka, Aalo, Pasighat, Naharlagun, Itanagar, and Longding.
During the investigation, Gumnya Kochung, Marta Ate, and Neha Gerori were apprehended. They are accused of facilitating the transfer of children to different individuals and brokering deals.
This case was registered on August 17 at the Namsai police station, following a complaint from the Child Welfare Committee in Namsai district. Given the severity of the situation and its connections to multiple districts, a special investigation team was formed under the supervision of Namsai district’s Superintendent of Police, Sange Thinle. Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Martin Ratan is also assisting in the investigation.
Initial findings indicate that the traffickers contacted economically disadvantaged families, promising better education, care, and a brighter future for their children. Allegedly, the children were then taken away from their families and sent to various individuals in remote areas.
According to police, there are indications of financial transactions ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 for each child in some cases. The investigation has also revealed that in certain instances, parents or guardians were paid in exchange for handing over their children. However, police are independently examining the roles of all involved parties. Reports suggest that some rescued children had been forced into domestic work and labor in hotels. The most alarming aspect of this case is the young age of the children involved.
A police statement revealed that most of the rescued children are under eight years old. During initial conversations, some children were unable to provide basic information about their parents or families. The youngest child reportedly was only three years old when separated from their family.
Following the rescue, all children underwent medical examinations, and necessary procedures related to child protection were completed. They were then presented before the competent Child Welfare Committee. Their testimonies are being recorded in a child-friendly and sensitive manner in accordance with legal provisions.
The SIT is currently investigating financial transactions, call records, digital evidence, the movement of children, and the relationships among the accused to piece together the entire network.
Police have clarified that the identities, photographs, and other personal information of the children will be kept confidential under legal provisions. They emphasized that the rescue of 19 children is not the end of the operation. Investigation teams are still working to locate other missing children and identify additional individuals connected to the network.
The Namsai district police have urged the public to report any information regarding children who may have been taken in a similar manner or are being kept by others. They have also appealed to parents who may have sent their children through intermediaries to come forward.
The police assured that every credible piece of information received will be promptly investigated, prioritizing the safety, dignity, and best interests of the children.
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