Katihar/Patna: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has rescued three minor girls from Myanmar in a suspected human trafficking case at Katihar Junction and detained a man who was allegedly escorting them on the Northeast Express (Train No. 12505).
The three girls, aged around 15 to 16 years, were travelling with the man, who was reportedly journeying from Kiul to Anand Vihar. Following preliminary questioning, the RPF handed all four individuals over to the Government Railway Police (GRP) for further legal action.
Investigators suspect that the case could be linked to an international human trafficking network, although the allegations are still being investigated.
Man allegedly brought girls into India
According to preliminary information, interrogation of the detained man indicated that he had allegedly brought the minor girls into India through an illegal route across the international border.
Investigators suspect he was attempting to transport them by train towards a refugee camp in Jammu.
The circumstances surrounding the girls’ entry into India and their intended destination are now being examined by multiple agencies.
IB and special teams join investigation
The GRP, Intelligence Bureau (IB) and state special teams reached Katihar and conducted several hours of intensive questioning.
Investigators are examining the travel route, the detainee’s local contacts and his communications to determine whether other individuals or organisations were involved.
The man’s call details and contacts are being examined as agencies attempt to establish possible links in the suspected network.
Girls’ statements being examined
Investigating agencies suspect that the girls primarily understand a local dialect of Myanmar and may have limited knowledge of Hindi or Bengali.
Sources have also alleged that the girls may have been coached before their journey on how to respond to questioning by security agencies. However, these claims remain part of the ongoing investigation.
The agencies are attempting to establish whether the girls were transported through an organised network and whether other people were involved at different stages of their journey.
Possible Jammu connection under investigation
Investigators are also examining the alleged connection with Jammu. According to sources, the detained man’s parents have reportedly been living in a camp in Jammu for a considerable period.
Based on the preliminary investigation, agencies suspect that the man may have been involved in bringing teenage girls from border areas into India through unauthorised routes and transporting them towards camps or other locations.
These allegations have not yet been conclusively established.
Railway Superintendent of Police Harishankar Kumar said four people had been detained from the Northeast Express and were being questioned.
The investigation remains underway, with agencies examining the evidence, travel route, communications and possible network involved. Further legal action will be determined after the investigation is completed.
