Itanagar, 25 August (HS): Nineteen children have been rescued and three suspected intermediaries arrested in Arunachal Pradesh as police investigate an alleged child trafficking network operating across several districts.

The case was registered at Namsai Police Station on August 17 after the district Child Welfare Committee (CWC) lodged a complaint. Police subsequently traced the children to Mechuka in Shi-Yomi, Aalo in West Siang, Pasighat in East Siang, as well as Naharlagun, Itanagar and Longding.

Given the inter-district spread of the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to conduct a comprehensive investigation and identify others allegedly involved in the network.

Preliminary findings indicate that economically vulnerable families were allegedly approached by intermediaries with assurances of better education and care for their children. The minors were then allegedly taken away from their families and placed with people in distant locations.

Official sources said that most of the rescued children are below eight years old, while the youngest is around three years of age. Police have also detected suspected payments of ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per child involving certain intermediaries and parents.

According to the police, some of the children were allegedly made to work as domestic help or employed at hotels. Their statements have been recorded before a magistrate.

The SIT is examining financial transactions, digital evidence and call records to trace other suspected members and determine the extent of the alleged operation. Police have also urged people to provide information about children who may have been placed in similar circumstances.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash