Namsai Police Recover 19 Children, Arrest Three in Trafficking Probe
NAMSAI, August 24:
Namsai Police have recovered 19 children from different parts of Arunachal Pradesh and arrested three alleged facilitators in a major investigation into a suspected child trafficking and exploitation network.
The children were traced from Mechuka, Aalo, Pasighat, Naharlagun, Itanagar and Longding, pointing to the suspected inter-district reach of the network. The case was registered at Namsai Police Station on August 17 following a complaint filed by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Namsai.
Given the seriousness of the allegations, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under the supervision of Namsai SP Sangey Thinley, with assistance from Dy.SP (HQ) Matin Ratan.
The investigation is being led by Dy.SP Kengo Dirchi, SDPO Namsai, along with Inspector T. Gadi, OC Namsai Police Station, SI R. Kahik and other police personnel.
Police have arrested Gumnya Kochung, Marta Ete and Neha Gerory for their alleged roles as facilitators or brokers. Their individual roles and the possible involvement of other persons are being investigated.
According to preliminary findings, economically vulnerable families were allegedly approached with promises of better education, care and upbringing for their children. The children were then allegedly procured, transported and placed with different persons in distant locations.
Investigators have found suspected monetary transactions ranging from approximately ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 in some cases. Police are also examining allegations that certain parents or guardians received money while handing over their children through intermediaries.
Some of the recovered children were allegedly engaged as domestic helpers and in hotel-related work, raising concerns over possible exploitation.
The age of the children has also emerged as a major concern, with most reportedly below eight years of age.
Some children were allegedly unable to recall their parents’ names or basic family details, while the youngest identified child was reportedly around three years old at the time of the alleged procurement or placement.
Following their recovery, the children underwent medical examinations and necessary child-protection procedures before being produced before the competent CWC. Their statements are also being recorded before the Magistrate through a child-friendly process.
Authorities have maintained strict confidentiality regarding the identities and other identifying details of the children.
The SIT is examining financial transactions, call records, digital evidence, movement details and links between alleged facilitators and receivers to establish the complete chain and determine individual responsibility.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police teams continuing efforts to trace more children and identify other persons who may be connected with the suspected network.
Namsai Police have appealed to the public, particularly parents and guardians who may have handed over children through intermediaries, to come forward with credible information.
Police said every lead will be verified, while the safety, dignity, privacy and best interests of the children will remain the foremost priority.
