NFR’s RPF rescues 56 women, nabs 2 in human trafficking bust

DIMAPUR — In a major success in the fight against human trafficking, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) rescued 56 young women and arrested two suspected traffickers from the New Jalpaiguri–Patna Capital Express on the night of July 22 at New Jalpaiguri railway station.

The women, aged between 18 and 31 years, belonged to the districts of Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar in West Bengal, the NFR stated in a press release.

The women were reportedly lured with false promises of employment in a company based in Bengaluru, but were instead being transported to Bihar, raising serious suspicions of trafficking.

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According to the NFR, the RPF personnel, during routine checks, noticed a large group of young women travelling together without valid tickets.

“Instead, coach and berth numbers were stamped on their hands, a method often associated with illegal trafficking networks. Upon inquiry, the two escorts – a man and a woman – gave contradictory statements and failed to provide valid documents regarding the purpose of travel or job offers,” the release stated.

Both suspects were taken into custody and handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP). A joint investigation by GRP and RPF is currently underway, with a strong focus on uncovering potential human trafficking networks operating in the region.

All rescued women were provided with immediate support and later safely reunited with their families. Additionally, from January to July 22, the RPF of NFR apprehended four human traffickers and rescued six minor boys and 56 women in multiple operations, reflecting its unwavering commitment to safeguarding vulnerable passengers and curbing trafficking activities on the railway network.

“The RPF of NFR remains vigilant and continues its efforts to ensure the safety and security of passengers, especially women and children, across the Northeast Frontier Railway zone,” it stated.