In a significant operation, Kolkata Police successfully rescued a minor girl from Champaran in Bihar and arrested a woman described as a leader of an orchestra group. The incident, which unfolded in Tollygunge, south Kolkata, highlights the activities of a trafficking gang that preys on young girls participating in neighbourhood cultural events.
Complaint and Investigation
The minor's mother lodged a formal complaint at the Tollygunge Police Station on Thursday afternoon. She informed the authorities that her daughter had become acquainted with a singer from the New Nisha Orchestra Group during a recent performance in their locality. The two exchanged phone numbers and maintained contact thereafter.
According to police reports, the singer lured the girl with promises of a job opportunity. She instructed the minor to meet her in the Esplanade area and specifically advised her not to carry a mobile phone. Despite this, the police managed to obtain the singer's phone number from the mother's device. Although the number was initially found to be switched off, officers tracked its WhatsApp activities, which led them to Motihari in Bihar.
Rescue Operation and Arrests
A dedicated team from Kolkata Police swiftly departed for Bihar on Thursday. After conducting searches at multiple locations, they identified the place where the girl was being held. In a coordinated operation, the team not only rescued the minor but also discovered several other minors at the site.
The Tollygunge Police Station alerted the Chiraiya Police Station in Bihar, prompting local officers to reach the scene. The singer was detained and subsequently arrested on Friday night. Police revealed that the trafficking gang operated under the name New Nisha Orchestra Group, exploiting the credibility of the original group to mask their illicit activities.
Gang's Modus Operandi
Investigations uncovered that the gang used performances at local cultural events as a cover to scout for potential victims. They specifically targeted minors, assessing their financial vulnerability before trafficking them to Bihar. This method allowed them to operate discreetly while preying on unsuspecting families in south Kolkata.
In response to this case, Lalbazar has issued an alert to the Child Welfare Commission, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and protective measures for children in such settings. The rescue underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable youth from exploitation.
