Kolkata, August 29: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has successfully thwarted a significant human trafficking attempt at the India-Nepal border, rescuing six girls, four of whom are minors. Two suspects have been detained in connection with the case.
According to a senior official, around 6:30 PM on Thursday, the border intelligence team of the SSB’s 41st Battalion, ‘D’ Company, intercepted the six girls and two male suspects attempting to cross from India into Nepal at the Old Bridge near the water tank.
Suspecting human trafficking, the SSB promptly alerted the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, the Ranidanga sector headquarters, and the NGO Kosi Lok Manch. Additionally, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and other agencies were summoned for a joint inquiry.
Investigations revealed that Anna, a resident of Cooch Behar in West Bengal, and Vicky Kaushik, the manager of the Lotus Dance Bar in Biratnagar, Nepal, were allegedly involved in a network facilitating the trafficking of minors across the border.
Officials stated that both suspects were in contact with Nirmal Debbarma from Tripura and Chinmay Basak from Jalpaiguri, arranging for the supply of girls to the dance bar in Nepal.
Further inquiries indicated that Vicky Kaushik reportedly coerced the girls into dancing at the bar and engaging in other activities for customer entertainment. All six rescued girls hail from various districts in Tripura.
The two individuals accompanying the girls have been identified as Nirmal Debbarma (25 years old, resident of Shimultai, East Dalu Chara, Dhalai, Tripura) and Chinmay Basak (32 years old, resident of Danga Para, Maynaguri, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal).
After counseling, all the girls were handed over to the Khariabari police station. They will be reunited with their families once further investigations are completed.
The SSB has stated that legal action will be taken against both suspected traffickers. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to locate Anna, and a request will be made to the Nepalese authorities for necessary action against Vicky Kaushik.
Officials noted that human trafficking is one of the major crimes along the India-Nepal border. The relatively easy movement across the border for citizens of both countries often provides traffickers with opportunities to exploit vulnerable individuals.
The SSB emphasized that continuous monitoring of the border area is essential, along with awareness programs for local residents and security personnel. Special camps and workshops are periodically organized to alert people about the dangers of human trafficking.
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