Police rescued 19 children from different parts of Arunachal Pradesh and arrested three suspected brokers in a major crackdown on an alleged child trafficking network on August 25. Authorities traced the children to several districts, including Shi-Yomi, West Siang, East Siang, Itanagar and Longding.
Police said intermediaries allegedly targeted economically vulnerable families by promising better education and care for their children. Investigators suspect that the accused later moved the minors to distant locations and made some of them work in domestic settings and hotels.
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Key Facts
- Children rescued: 19
- Suspected brokers arrested: 3
- Case registered: August 17
- Police station: Namsai Police Station
- Youngest rescued child: Around 3 years old
- Locations: Mechuka, Aalo, Pasighat, Naharlagun, Itanagar and Longding
- Suspected payments: ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per child
- Investigation: Special Investigation Team (SIT)
Police Launch Major Investigation
The Namsai Police registered the case on August 17 after the district Child Welfare Committee (CWC) filed a complaint. Soon after, officers began tracing children who had allegedly moved to different parts of the state.
Police later rescued 19 children from several locations. These include Mechuka in Shi-Yomi district, Aalo in West Siang, Pasighat in East Siang, Naharlagun, Itanagar and Longding.
Because the case involves multiple districts, police formed a Special Investigation Team to coordinate the probe.
Vulnerable Families Allegedly Targeted
During the initial investigation, police found that intermediaries allegedly approached economically vulnerable families. The suspects reportedly promised parents better education, care and opportunities for their children.
However, investigators allege that the intermediaries later moved some children away from their families and placed them with people in distant locations.
Namsai Superintendent of Police Sange Thinley said most of the rescued children are below eight years old. The youngest child is reportedly around three years old.
Police Examine Money Trail
Investigators have also found suspected financial transactions involving some parents and intermediaries.
According to police, these transactions ranged from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per child in some cases. The SIT is now examining the money trail to understand how the alleged network operated.
Moreover, police suspect that some of the rescued children worked in domestic settings and hotels.
SIT Checks Digital Evidence
The SIT is examining financial records, digital evidence and call records. These details could help investigators identify other people connected to the suspected network.
Meanwhile, authorities have recorded statements from the rescued children before a magistrate. Police will use these statements along with other evidence as they investigate the case.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are working to determine the full extent of the alleged operation.
Police Appeal to Public
Police have urged people to share information about children who may have faced similar circumstances.
Authorities also want residents to remain alert and report suspicious activity involving the movement or employment of minors.
What happened in Arunachal Pradesh?
Police rescued 19 children from different parts of Arunachal Pradesh and arrested three suspected brokers while investigating an alleged child trafficking network.
How old are the rescued children?
Most of the rescued children are below eight years old. Police said the youngest child is around three.
How did the alleged network operate?
Police allege that intermediaries approached vulnerable families with promises of better education and care before moving some children to distant locations.
What is the SIT investigating?
The SIT is examining financial transactions, digital evidence and call records to identify other suspects and understand the full extent of the alleged network.
Location Context
The case involves several districts across Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the challenges authorities face while protecting children across the geographically dispersed Northeast. The investigation could help police identify gaps in child protection and prevent similar cases in the future.
