HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Jan 17: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of NF Railway conducted successful operations leading to the rescue of 17 minors and the arrest of one trafficker during checks and drives conducted from January 9 to January 16, 2024, at various trains and railway stations across NF Railway. In December 2023, a total of 43 minors and 03 women were rescued by RPF of NFR and handed over to respective Child Line/NGOs, parents, and GRP for safe custody.
On January 9, 2024, a team of RPF/Kishanganj, along with members of Bal Bachao Andolan/Katihar, conducted a check at Kishanganj Railway Station. During the check, they rescued 6 minors and apprehended one human trafficker. The rescued minors and the trafficker were later handed over to OC/GRP/Kishanganj for safe custody and further legal action.
On January 16, 2024, RPF staff at Jalpaiguri Road Post rescued a runaway minor girl at Jalpaiguri Road railway station. Simultaneously, RPF staff at New Bongaigaon Post rescued another runaway minor girl at New Bongaigaon railway station. Both rescued minors were handed over to the Child Welfare Committee, Jalpaiguri, and Bongaigaon for safe custody.
Additionally, the RPF team of ‘Meri Saheli’ of NF Railway provides assistance to women passengers traveling alone in trains. In December 2023, about 1958 women passengers were assisted by this team of RPF.
RPF continues to take preventive measures and actions in cases where children in need of care and protection are found in trains and railway premises. The force remains vigilant against suspected persons involved in human trafficking and monitors the movement of children in a suspicious manner, especially those traveling alone without proper guardianship. The relentless fight against criminals aims to protect railway passengers and ensure the safety and well-being of minors.