A joint security operation at the porous Indo-Nepal border led to the dramatic rescue of a 15-year-old Nepali girl and the arrest of an alleged trafficker on Wednesday. The incident unfolded at Rupaidiha in Bahraich district, preventing a potential case of cross-border human trafficking.
Border Vigilance Leads to Interception
Acting on sharp vigilance, a combined team of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) spotted a young Nepali man accompanying a minor girl. They were attempting to cross into Indian territory from Nepal. The nature of their movement and the apparent age difference raised immediate red flags for the security personnel.
The team promptly stopped the duo for questioning. Raman Lal, Deputy Commandant (Operations) of the 42nd Battalion SSB in Bahraich, stated that during the interaction, the young man could not provide convincing answers. He failed to clarify his relationship with the girl or give a legitimate reason for taking her across the international border.
Trafficking Plot Unraveled
Further investigation revealed the grim reality behind the journey. The duo intended to enter India and travel to Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. The rescued minor is a 15-year-old from Sidholi district in Nepal. The apprehended individual was identified as Sanu Sunar, an 18-year-old from Nepal's Dang district.
Preliminary findings confirmed that Sunar was allegedly trafficking the minor girl from Nepal into India. Police officials noted that, so far, there is no record of the apprehended trafficker's previous involvement in similar cases. This suggests a possible new entrant into the cross-border crime network.
Legal Action and Rehabilitation Process
Following standard protocol and bilateral agreements, the apprehended trafficker, Sanu Sunar, was formally handed over to the Nepal Police for further legal proceedings. Ensuring the minor's safety and recovery was the top priority.
The rescued girl was entrusted to a Nepal-based rehabilitation NGO, Shanti Punarsthapana Grih. The handover was conducted in the presence of officials from the Nepal Police and representatives from India-based NGOs, including Dehat India. The NGO will provide the necessary care, counselling, and long-term rehabilitation support to the survivor.
This successful interception highlights the critical importance of coordinated efforts between border security forces and anti-trafficking units. It underscores the ongoing challenges of human trafficking across the Indo-Nepal border and the need for continuous vigilance to protect vulnerable minors.
