CBI Rescues Trafficked Minor Missing for Nearly Two Years

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has rescued a minor girl from Pali, Rajasthan, almost two years after she was reported missing from Bardhaman, West Bengal. The case highlights the persistent challenges India faces in combating human trafficking across state borders.

According to the CBI, the girl was trafficked shortly after her disappearance in 2023. Investigators allege she was sold twice for marriage in different locations, with her age falsified using forged documents to enable these illegal transactions. Authorities believe this manipulation was intended to bypass legal protections for minors and facilitate her exploitation.

The rescue operation was the result of extensive coordination between the CBI’s anti-trafficking division and multiple state police units. The agency confirmed that the girl is now in protective custody and is receiving counseling, medical care, and other support services to aid her recovery.

Five individuals suspected of direct involvement in the trafficking network have been arrested. They are currently in legal custody and are expected to face trial in West Bengal, where the original missing person complaint was lodged. The CBI has not ruled out further arrests as the investigation continues.

Law enforcement officials noted that the case illustrates how traffickers exploit vulnerabilities such as poverty, lack of official documentation, and inadequate monitoring of movement between states. Criminal networks often operate across multiple jurisdictions, making inter-agency cooperation critical for breaking such operations.

Child rights advocates have welcomed the rescue but warned that reactive measures alone are insufficient. A representative from one advocacy group said that prevention must be prioritized through community awareness programs, stronger surveillance, and rapid response mechanisms to reduce the risk of children going missing in the first place.

The CBI has urged families to report missing children to authorities without delay, stressing that early intervention increases the chances of recovery. Officials also encouraged maintaining close communication with local police to track case progress.

Human trafficking remains a significant law enforcement challenge in India, with many cases involving interstate networks that target vulnerable populations. Experts say that dismantling such operations requires not only police action but also systemic reforms addressing root causes like economic hardship and lack of access to education.

The successful rescue in this case adds to a growing list of recoveries carried out by the CBI, reinforcing the agency’s stated commitment to pursuing trafficking cases aggressively and ensuring justice for victims.