LUCKNOW: The Lucknow police on Thursday dismantled an inter-state child trafficking network that allegedly sold minor girls from Uttar Pradesh to Rajasthan for amounts reaching up to Rs 1.5 lakh each, under the pretense of marriage. Three individuals, including a woman, and a juvenile have been taken into custody, while authorities are actively pursuing the main operators based in Rajasthan.
How the Racket Was Uncovered
The operation came to light after a missing person report was filed on May 12 by Kamlesha, a resident of Ganiyar village in Mohanlalganj. She reported that her two granddaughters, aged 16 and 12, had disappeared after being promised improved living conditions and a reunion with their estranged mothers. Given the involvement of minors, four specialized teams were deployed, including a plainclothes unit. Police analyzed nearly 150 CCTV recordings and utilized technical surveillance and field intelligence. Although the girls' mobile phones were switched off, authorities tracked their movement to Rae Bareli, identifying a juvenile relative and Priya Patel as key suspects. The girls were safely rescued on May 18.
Disturbing Pattern Revealed
Statements recorded under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita exposed a troubling pattern: the victims were being transported to Rajasthan to be sold into forced marriages. Based on the evidence, police arrested Anurag Yadav (25), Mohammad Akhtar (32), and Priya Patel alias Sheila (23), along with a 17-year-old juvenile, from Atrauli crossing on June 3.
Network Operating Since 2020
Additional DCP (South) Vasanth Kumar Rallapalli stated that interrogations revealed the network had been operating between Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan since 2020. Priya allegedly established contact with a Kota-based woman named Sonam, who introduced her to the lucrative marriage trade involving vulnerable girls. Over time, Priya, along with her live-in partner Anurag and associate Akhtar, began targeting orphaned or economically disadvantaged minors. An officer noted, "The accused specifically chose girls who had little family support and were less likely to approach police."
Modus Operandi
The gang lured victims with promises of a better life, employment, outings, and gifts. In this case, they exploited family connections, convincing the girls they would be taken to meet their estranged mother. Trusting the accused, the girls accompanied them. They were first taken to Rae Bareli, provided new clothes, and photographed. The images were then shared via WhatsApp with Sonam and her husband, Bhupendra Chaudhary, in Rajasthan. Once the victims were approved, deals were negotiated. Police reported that the girls were to be transported to Bambori in Kota district, where marriages would be arranged in exchange for money. During questioning, Priya allegedly confessed to receiving Rs 1.5 lakh per girl.
Wider Network and Ongoing Investigation
Investigators have also uncovered evidence suggesting that two sisters from Rae Bareli were previously trafficked to the same network. Efforts are underway to identify and locate other victims. Police have seized two four-wheelers used to transport girls across districts. Additional DCP Rallapalli emphasized that the racket was highly organized and operated with clear roles across states. "Swift rescue of the victims and arrests were possible due to coordinated fieldwork and technical tracking. Our focus is now on arresting Rajasthan-based handlers and identifying more victims," he said. Raids are being conducted to apprehend Sonam and Bhupendra Chaudhary, believed to be key links in arranging the illegal marriages. Police stated that further investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network.
