Arunachal Pradesh Police Dismantle Interstate Child Trafficking Network
In a significant breakthrough, police in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, have successfully busted an organized interstate child trafficking racket that operated between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The operation resulted in the rescue of three minor girls and the arrest of six individuals accused of trafficking, purchasing, and exploiting children as domestic labourers, officials confirmed on Thursday.
Case Emerges from Disturbing Discovery
Capital SP Jummar Basar revealed that the case came to light after a grievously injured seven-year-old girl was found wandering alone in F-Sector, Itanagar, around 4:30 am on February 7. A compassionate resident took the child to the Women Police Station, from where she was immediately rushed for medical treatment and counselling. The girl later received psychological support at ‘Ane’s Home’, a dedicated one-stop support centre for women and children located within the WPS premises.
During counselling sessions, the young victim disclosed critical details that exposed a much wider trafficking network. This revelation prompted authorities to register a formal case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Child Labour Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act, according to SP Basar.
Investigation Uncovers Systematic Exploitation
Investigators determined that the child had been trafficked from Assam and employed as a domestic help in an Itanagar household, where she endured repeated assaults and cruelty. She managed to escape on the night of February 6 and was subsequently rescued by authorities.
Further investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of illegal transfer and sale of minor children across districts and states over several years. Children were allegedly sold through informal cash transactions without any legal adoption procedures, systematically deprived of education and identity documents, and forced into domestic labour. Police also discovered that multiple children from the same families had been trafficked to different households, indicating a deeply entrenched network.
Arrests and Rescues
Acting on crucial leads, police teams conducted coordinated operations to rescue three minor girls from various locations. Simultaneously, they arrested six persons for their alleged roles in trafficking, purchasing, and exploiting minors.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Chide Doke (29) of F-Sector, Itanagar
- Yanga Gongo Nalo (45) of Tapi village in Upper Subansiri district
- Marba Nalo (54), husband of Yanga Gongo Nalo
- Jumpi Boje Tsering (40) of Forest Colony, Aalo in West Siang district
Additionally, two other women, both aged 37, were implicated in the case. One is accused of selling her daughter in May 2025, while the other allegedly sold four of her own minor children and facilitated the sale of the rescued girl. Police have not released their names publicly.
Ongoing Investigation and Notices
Police have also served notices under Section 35(3) of the BNSS to three other persons suspected of involvement or knowledge of the trafficking network. These individuals are:
- Taba Titu Nabam (42) of C-Sector, Itanagar
- Nabam Kokum Hina (42) of C-Sector, Itanagar
- Pinto Nalo of Tapi village in Upper Subansiri district
Notably, Pinto Nalo had lodged a missing report in 2021 for a trafficked boy who remains untraceable. He is currently serving as a constable in the Arunachal Pradesh Police, adding a concerning dimension to the case.
Rescue and Rehabilitation Efforts
The rescued children have been produced before the Child Welfare Committee and placed in recognised shelter homes where they will receive proper care and rehabilitation. SP Basar emphasized that two children linked to the racket remain missing, including the boy untraceable since 2021. Police are intensifying efforts to trace these missing children and identify additional victims and perpetrators.
Modus Operandi and Public Warning
The SP detailed that the racket operated through informal brokers and family-level transactions, with children bought and sold for cash and deployed as domestic workers. Victims were systematically denied schooling, documentation, and basic rights, indicating long-term trafficking links between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Reiterating zero tolerance towards crimes against women and children, SP Basar issued a stern warning to residents against engaging minors as domestic workers through agents or intermediaries. He urged citizens to report suspected trafficking, child labour, or abuse to police or Childline 1098 immediately.
The SP also acknowledged the crucial support of Itanagar WPS officer-in-charge Rina Sonam and her team, the Child Welfare Committee, medical authorities, and the public in cracking this complex case. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of community vigilance in combating such heinous crimes.
