Arunachal Pradesh police rescue 19 trafficked children; three arrested

Police in Arunachal Pradesh have rescued 19 children, all under eight years of age, who were allegedly subjected to human trafficking across the state. The minors were reportedly lured away from their families with promises of quality education and proper care, but were subsequently engaged in domestic labour and hotel-related work.

The rescue operation led to the arrest of three women suspected of orchestrating the trafficking network. Investigators say the accused deliberately targeted vulnerable children from poor backgrounds, exploiting parental desperation for better opportunities to facilitate the illegal movement of minors.

The rescued children have been placed in protective custody, with authorities initiating welfare and rehabilitation procedures. State law enforcement agencies are conducting further investigations to identify additional individuals involved in the trafficking ring and trace the network through which the children were moved.

The case highlights the persistent vulnerability of young children in the region to trafficking and exploitation. Child welfare organisations have emphasised the need for enhanced awareness campaigns in remote areas of Northeast India to prevent similar incidents.