Joint Police-RPF Operation Thwarts Child Labour Trafficking Attempt in Lucknow
In a significant crackdown on human trafficking, a coordinated effort between the Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) unit of the Lucknow Police and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) successfully rescued four teenage boys and apprehended a suspect allegedly involved in trafficking them for child labour. The operation, which unfolded late on Friday night, was initiated based on specific intelligence inputs, highlighting the proactive measures taken by law enforcement agencies to combat such crimes.
Swift Action Leads to Arrest and Rescue on Gandhi Dham Express
Acting promptly on the received information, the police team conducted a thorough search of the Gandhi Dham Express train. During this operation, they arrested Saifuddin (27), a resident of Khadabari in Uttar Dinajpur district, West Bengal, from coach S-06. According to an official police press note, the accused was allegedly in the process of transporting the four boys, aged between 16 and 17 years, from West Bengal to Gujarat. The intended destination was a plywood factory where the minors were to be engaged in labour under exploitative conditions.
Promises of Wages and Organized Trafficking Suspicions
During subsequent questioning, the rescued boys revealed that they had been lured with promises of daily wages ranging between Rs 700 and Rs 800. This offer, coupled with the fact that Saifuddin had arranged their railway tickets, raised serious suspicions of an organized trafficking network operating across state lines. The case underscores the vulnerabilities faced by youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, who are often targeted by traffickers with false assurances of employment.
Legal Proceedings and Welfare Measures Initiated
Following the arrest, a formal case was registered against Saifuddin at the AHT police station under section 143(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), with further legal actions currently in progress. In the aftermath of the rescue, the four boys were presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) to ensure their protection and well-being. Subsequently, they were transferred to the Government Children's Home (Boys) located at Mohan Road, Para, as confirmed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Kiran Yadav. This step highlights the commitment of authorities to provide immediate care and support to victims of trafficking.
The successful operation not only prevented the exploitation of these teenagers but also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in eradicating child labour and human trafficking in India. It emphasizes the critical role of inter-agency collaboration and timely intelligence in safeguarding vulnerable populations from such heinous crimes.
