Editor
Hojai, Assam: In a significant breakthrough, local authorities have apprehended six individuals, including a high-ranking Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, in connection with a child trafficking syndicate operating in the region. The arrests were made on Wednesday in Morajhar, Hojai, and have shed light on a distressing case of exploitation and trafficking.
The police have identified the suspects as Bilal Uddin, Afzal Uddin, Nasir Hussain, Abdul Karim, Ajmal Hussain, and the prime suspect, Parbina Begum. Of particular concern is the involvement of Abdul Karim, a regional BJP leader, who has been taken into custody alongside the other five individuals.
Investigations have revealed that the gang lured a minor girl under the pretense of offering employment opportunities, only to subsequently sell her into a prostitution ring operating in Delhi. Fortunately, the victim managed to escape her captors and reached Dehradun, where the local authorities provided her with assistance through the One Step Centre and the child helpline number. With the aid of the district All Assam Minority Students' Union (AAMSU) unit, the victim's family successfully facilitated her return to Hojai on July 4.
Upon her return, the victim provided a statement to the Debasthan Police Station, detailing her harrowing ordeal. The police also recorded statements from her family members and promptly initiated legal proceedings under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, registered as case number 162/23. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced child protection measures and stricter enforcement of existing laws.
Furthermore, the AAMSU in Hojai District has alleged that several children remain trapped by this despicable trafficking gang. Authorities are diligently questioning potential victims in an attempt to ascertain their whereabouts and ensure their safe rescue.
Disturbingly, the rescued girl's family has reported receiving threats from the gang, presumably in retaliation for their involvement with the police investigation. The authorities have taken these threats seriously and are implementing necessary security measures to safeguard the family.
Commenting on the case, a government advocate stated, "Following a complaint regarding the trafficking of a minor child to Delhi, the superintendent of police (SP) in Hojai oversaw the registration of a case at the Morajhar Police Station, numbered 162/23. The case has been filed under sections 120 (B), 342, 370 sub-section 4, and 372 of the Indian Penal Code, along with section 6 of the POCSO Act."
He further added, "Through a coordinated police operation, we have successfully apprehended six suspects, effectively dismantling a significant child trafficking gang."
The arrests have brought to light the alarming prevalence of child trafficking networks in the region and underscore the pressing need for continued efforts to combat this heinous crime. The authorities remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable children and are actively pursuing all leads to dismantle any remaining operations associated with this trafficking ring.