Kochi , 20 July (H.S.):A routine inspection by railway police at Ernakulam South Railway Station led to the rescue of nine minor boys from Bihar and the arrest of two migrant labourers on charges of human trafficking, officials said.

The children were found travelling with two men, identified as Sunil (22) and Babloonath (35), when a train reached Ernakulam South Railway Station at around 6.40 pm on Saturday. Police personnel on platform duty became suspicious after noticing the group and questioned the two men about the children's identities and the purpose of their journey.

As the responses raised further doubts, the officers verified the details of the children and immediately alerted Childline for assistance. Preliminary inquiries revealed that all nine boys were natives of Bihar and had travelled from the same region as the accused. Police suspect the children were being brought to Kerala to be employed as child labourers.

Following verification by Childline, the Ernakulam South Railway Police registered a case against the two accused under Sections 143(5) and 143(6) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deal with offences related to human trafficking. The duo were arrested and later remanded in judicial custody for 14 days.

Investigators are now attempting to identify others who may have played a role in transporting the children to Kerala. Police are also probing the employer or organisation that allegedly arranged for the children to be brought to Ernakulam and whether a larger trafficking network was involved.

The rescued children have been placed in the care of Childline, which will oversee their immediate welfare and initiate the legal procedures required for their rehabilitation and safe repatriation. Authorities said further investigation is underway to establish the full extent of the trafficking operation and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman