In a coordinated operation at Chhapra Junction railway station in Bihar’s Saran district, railway security agencies and a child rights organization rescued eight children from being trafficked to Punjab for child labour. The operation, conducted under Operation Aahat, involved the Crime Intelligence Branch (CIB), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and the Association for Voluntary Action (AVA).
The minors, aged between 13 and 17, were intercepted on the Karmabhoomi Express traveling from New Jalpaiguri to Amritsar. The traffickers—Ranjit Kumar Moni (30) of Katihar, Mohammad Kamal (56) of Madhepura, and Suraj Kumar (19) of Purnia—admitted to luring the children with promises of employment in Punjab.
Following questioning, the rescued children were handed over to the Child Protection Unit for safe return to their families. A case has been registered under Section 143(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Section 79 of the Juvenile Justice Act, and Section 3(14) of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. Further investigation is ongoing.
CIB Inspector Sanjay Mishra confirmed that the children hailed from villages in Purnia and Katihar districts and the operation was based on specific intelligence received under the Bachpan Bachao Andolan.
