56 Women Rescued from Human Trafficking Attempt on Patna-Bound Train in Bengal

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In a significant breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking, 56 women were rescued from a Patna-bound train in West Bengal’s Siliguri late Monday night. The joint operation was carried out by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP), leading to the arrest of two alleged traffickers.

Authorities intercepted the group on the New Jalpaiguri, Patna Capital Express after receiving a tip-off about suspicious activity. The women, aged between 18 and 31, were reportedly travelling together without proper tickets or documentation. During questioning, inconsistencies in their statements raised further suspicions.

The two arrested individuals, a man and a woman, are believed to be part of a trafficking network operating in North Bengal. They have been identified as Jitendra Kumar Paswan of North 24 Parganas and Chandrika Kar from the Siliguri area. Officials said the traffickers had promised the women employment opportunities in Bengaluru but were transporting them toward Patna under dubious circumstances.

According to GRP officials, the victims were from Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and nearby districts. Many were misled by false job offers and transported without informing their families. The women have since been safely returned to their homes.

A case has been registered under sections related to human trafficking, and further investigation is underway. Authorities are probing whether the arrested suspects were part of a larger interstate trafficking ring.

Officials have urged citizens to remain cautious and report suspicious recruitment offers, particularly those targeting young women from economically vulnerable regions.