In a major breakthrough in a crackdown on a suspected child trafficking network, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Arunachal Pradesh Police has rescued 19 children from different parts of the state and arrested three suspected women brokers and facilitators, officials said on Tuesday.
A police official said the SIT has so far rescued 19 children from different locations, including Mechuka, Aalo, Pasighat, Naharlagun, Itanagar and Longding. During the investigation, Gumnya Kochung, Marta Ete and Neha Gerory were arrested for their alleged roles as facilitators and brokers, the official said.
The case was registered at Namsai Police Station on August 17 following a complaint received from the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of Namsai district. Considering the seriousness and inter-district nature of the case, the SIT was constituted under the close monitoring and supervision of Namsai District Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley, with Deputy Superintendent of Police (HQ) Martin Ratan assisting the probe.
According to the official, preliminary investigation indicates that economically vulnerable families were allegedly approached with assurances of better education, care and upbringing for their children.
The children were thereafter allegedly procured, transported and placed with different persons at distant locations. In some cases, suspected monetary transactions ranging from approximately Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 per child have emerged, the official said.
The investigation has also revealed suspected instances in which some parents and guardians allegedly received money in connection with handing over their children. However, the circumstances and individual roles of all persons concerned are being independently investigated. Some of the rescued children were allegedly engaged as domestic helpers and in hotel-related work.
“A particularly concerning aspect of the case is the very young age of the children. A majority of the rescued children are reportedly below eight years of age,” a police statement said.
During preliminary interaction, some of the children were reportedly unable to recall even their parents’ names or basic details about their families. The youngest child identified was reportedly around three years old at the time of alleged procurement and placement, the statement said.
Following their rescue, the children underwent necessary medical examinations and child-protection procedures and were produced before the competent Child Welfare Committee. Their statements are also being recorded before the Magistrate in accordance with law, following a child-friendly and sensitive process, the police said.
The identities, photographs and other particulars capable of identifying the children are being strictly protected in accordance with law. The SIT is also examining financial transactions, call records, digital evidence, movements of the children and links among the alleged facilitators, receivers and other persons to establish the complete chain and determine individual roles on the basis of evidence.
The police said the rescue of 19 children does not mark the conclusion of the operation, as teams are continuing efforts to trace and recover more children and identify other persons who may be involved in the suspected network.
Namsai District Police appealed to members of the public having information about children who may have been taken, procured, transported or placed with other persons under similar circumstances to immediately approach the nearest police station or Child Welfare Committee.
Parents and guardians who may have handed over their children through any intermediary or facilitator have also been urged to come forward and provide information.
“Every credible input will be promptly verified, with the safety, dignity, privacy and best interests of the children remaining the foremost priority,” the police said.
The investigation and recovery operation are continuing, the police added.
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