RPF Thwarts Major Child Trafficking Operation at Bokaro Railway Station
In a significant crackdown on human trafficking, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) at Bokaro Steel City railway station successfully intercepted and foiled an alleged child trafficking attempt under the ongoing Operation AAHAT. The operation, conducted on February 3, led to the rescue of four minor children who were being illegally transported out of the state, officials confirmed on Thursday.
Swift Action Based on Intelligence Inputs
Acting on specific intelligence regarding suspicious movement of minors, the RPF team sprang into action at platform numbers 2 and 3 of the busy railway station. The officials intercepted a group of 19 passengers who were preparing to board train number 02831. During thorough verification procedures, authorities discovered that four of the travelers were minors traveling without valid parental consent or proper awareness of their intended destination.
Arrest and Confession of the Accused
One adult accompanying the children, identified as Ramu Kumar Ray (30), a resident of the Madhuban police station area in Giridih district, was immediately taken into custody. During interrogation, Ray allegedly confessed that he had brought the children from different villages under the false pretext of providing them employment opportunities. He was transporting them to Annur in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu when the interception occurred.
Investigations revealed that Ray had arranged all travel expenses, with e-tickets booked using funds transferred by an individual connected to a private firm based in Tamil Nadu. Shockingly, the accused reportedly admitted to being involved in similar trafficking activities since 2021, suggesting a pattern of criminal behavior.
Profile of the Rescued Minors
The four rescued children, aged between 14 and 17 years, all hailed from various villages within Giridih district. After their rescue, they were handed over to Childline Bokaro for immediate care and protection. During counseling sessions, the minors revealed they were aware they were being taken to Tamil Nadu but had no knowledge about the identity of their supposed employer or the wages they were promised.
Legal Proceedings and Evidence Collection
All four minors were formally produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Bokaro for further legal proceedings and rehabilitation. Meanwhile, authorities detained the accused Ramu Kumar Ray and seized crucial evidence from his possession, including:
- Two mobile phones
- Seven journey tickets
- Rs 3,200 in cash
The RPF has filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Government Railway Police Station in Bokaro. The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically sections 137(2), 143, and 144, along with sections 3 and 4 of the Bonded Labour Prohibition Act, indicating the serious nature of the offenses.
Operation AAHAT: A Critical Initiative
This successful intervention highlights the effectiveness of Operation AAHAT, a dedicated initiative by railway authorities to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable passengers, particularly women and children, across India's vast railway network. The operation demonstrates how coordinated intelligence gathering and swift on-ground action can prevent serious crimes and safeguard innocent lives.
The Bokaro RPF's vigilance has not only rescued four children from potential exploitation but has also exposed a trafficking network that authorities will continue to investigate thoroughly to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in this criminal enterprise.
