Patna: A major rescue operation has exposed an alleged child trafficking network linked to Bihar, with 163 minors freed from a train at Katni railway station.
The children, aged between six and 13, were rescued by a joint team of the Railway Protection Force and the Government Railway Police during a raid on the Patna–Purna Express. Eight accused, all reportedly from Bihar, have been arrested.
Preliminary investigations suggest the children were brought from districts including Araria and were being transported to Latur in Maharashtra, allegedly for labour.
Officials said the operation was launched after the RPF received a tip-off about a large group of minors travelling without valid documents or tickets. The rescue effort, led by inspector Virendra Singh, continued through the night and concluded early Sunday.
According to railway authorities, the children had no identification documents and were being transported in overcrowded conditions. Investigators suspect they were being taken for bonded labour.
Police said eight individuals have been arrested and booked under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code. Further investigation is under way to identify other members of the alleged trafficking network operating in Bihar.
However, the incident has also sparked controversy. Some family members in Jokihat claimed the children were being taken to a madrasa for education and denied allegations of trafficking. They have called for a detailed investigation by authorities in Madhya Pradesh.
Officials said the rescued children are being provided assistance and their backgrounds are being verified as part of the ongoing probe.
