RPF Rescues 18 Children from Suspected Trafficking Attempt at Howrah Station

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The Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued 18 minors, including seven girls and eleven boys, from a suspected human trafficking attempt at Howrah Station on August 4. The operation was conducted under the RPF’s national initiative, Operation AAHT (Action Against Human Trafficking).

The children were reportedly being transported to Kanyakumari for forced labor. RPF personnel noticed suspicious activity on Platform 22 and intervened promptly. One individual was detained during the operation and later confessed to transporting the children with the intention of employing them in Tamil Nadu.

All 18 minors and the detained suspect were handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Howrah for further investigation. A case has been filed under Section 143(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which deals with human trafficking offenses.

According to Eastern Railway officials, the vigilance and quick response by RPF personnel were key to preventing the trafficking attempt. The officials reiterated the commitment of the RPF to safeguarding women and children across the railway network.

The RPF has been actively involved in combating human trafficking through routine patrolling, surveillance, and close coordination with child welfare organizations. The force has rescued over 84,000 children from various distress situations nationwide in recent years, highlighting its vital role in counter-trafficking efforts.

The rescued children will undergo medical evaluation and be placed under the care of child welfare authorities. Efforts are underway to trace their families and ensure proper rehabilitation.

Authorities have urged the public and railway staff to remain alert and report any suspicious activities. The successful intervention at Howrah highlights the importance of proactive measures in disrupting trafficking networks operating through India’s railway system.