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163 Minor boys rescued from train in Katni (Img: Internet)
Katni: In a major crackdown, authorities rescued 163 minor boys from the Patna-Purna Express at Katni railway station in Madhya Pradesh. The operation was carried out jointly by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) following a tip-off from the Child Welfare Committee.
Eight individuals accompanying the children were detained for questioning and later arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.
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Officials became alert when they found that the children, aged between six and 13, were travelling without valid tickets or identification documents. The group was intercepted during an overnight operation as the train halted at the station.
Authorities reported that nearly 50 children were crammed into a single sleeper coach compartment, raising serious concerns over their safety and purpose of travel.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the children were being transported from Bihar’s Araria region to Latur in Maharashtra, where they were allegedly intended to work as labourers.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the accused, who belong to different districts of Bihar. Further investigation is underway to establish the exact nature of the alleged trafficking network.
During interrogation, the arrested individuals claimed that the children were being taken to a madrasa in Latur for educational purposes. Some parents contacted by authorities reportedly supported this claim, stating they had sent their children for studies.
However, officials said these assertions are being verified, and past instances of similar movement of children by the accused are also under scrutiny.
All rescued children have been taken into protective custody. Authorities have initiated counselling sessions and are working to confirm their identities and contact their families.
Some children are being housed in Katni, while others have been moved to nearby Jabalpur under child protection services. Officials emphasized that ensuring the children’s safety and well-being remains the top priority.
