HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, July 1: In a concerted effort to safeguard vulnerable passengers and combat human trafficking, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has achieved a significant breakthrough, rescuing 27 individuals—including 22 minors—during operations conducted between June 25 and June 29, 2025.
The information was provided in an official statement issued by NFR on Tuesday.
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According to the statement, RPF teams stationed across key railway stations within the NFR zone acted swiftly and decisively in multiple rescue operations over the five-day period.
The rescued individuals included 22 minors, three men, and two women.
All were safely handed over to Child Line authorities, non-governmental organisations, parents, or local police authorities for further action and support.
The rescue operations commenced on June 25 and 26, when RPF teams based in Katihar, Kishanganj, and Samsi successfully rescued five runaway minor boys during coordinated efforts.
The minors were subsequently handed over to Child Line representatives after preliminary inquiry and counselling.
Continuing the momentum, the RPF team at Kamakhya Railway Station conducted a rescue operation on June 27, during which one runaway minor boy was found and immediately placed in the care of Child Line, Kamakhya.
A major success was recorded at New Bongaigaon Railway Station on June 28, where a team from the RPF Post rescued five minor girls and one man.
The girls were placed under the safe custody of Child Line, Bongaigaon, while the man was detained by RPF officials for further questioning and legal procedures.
On June 29, the RPF team at New Coochbehar Railway Station located a missing man and, after verifying his identity and background, facilitated his reunion with his family members.
The NFR statement also highlighted the continuing success of the “Meri Saheli” initiative, aimed at ensuring the safety of women passengers, particularly those travelling alone.
Under this initiative, dedicated RPF lady squads remain actively deployed across trains and platforms, providing assistance, support, and a reassuring presence to women travellers.
RPF authorities affirmed their commitment to ensuring a safe travel environment through sustained vigilance, round-the-clock patrolling, and the timely intervention of field personnel.
The force reiterated that protecting women and children remains a high priority in its passenger safety and security strategy. The recent string of rescues underlines the RPF’s crucial role in safeguarding railway passengers, preventing exploitation, and coordinating effectively with civil society organisations and local law enforcement to offer support to those in distress.
