The Railway Protection Force (RPF) Secunderabad Division has rescued eight child trafficking victims and detained four traffickers. The operation was conducted in collaboration with the NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan and was based on intelligence generated from continuous data analysis by the RPF’s Cyber Cell.
On June 1, RPF escorted the Telangana Express from its starting point of jurisdiction into Secunderabad Division, Ballarshah, and conducted targeted raids from Ballarshah to Hyderabad. The operation was carried out by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of RPF Secunderabad Division and involved in keeping a close watch on suspected coaches to identify and pinpoint the seat and coach numbers of the traffickers.
The operation was successful and eight child trafficking victims were rescued along with four traffickers coming from Uttar Pradesh state. Upon reaching Hyderabad railway station, RPF Inspector of Hyderabad co-ordinated with GRP, along with Venkateshwarlu, BBA, State Coordinator and Railway childline, attended and forwarded to GRP for further legal action. This year, RPF Secunderabad Division has rescued 151 children and arrested 69 traffickers.
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is conducting a campaign from June 1 to 30, focusing on prevalence of child labour at railway stations and RPF is committed to its efforts to end human trafficking and plans to conduct further tactical raids to bring an end to this serious issue. The RPF appealed to the passengers and public to report any suspicious activity and to support its efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society from the cruel and inhumane practices of human trafficking.
