Police rescue 51 in Arunachal child trafficking bust

Itanagar: Police in Namsai district rescued 51 people, including 47 children, from an alleged trafficking ring. Officers arrested Ema Loyi of Kaba village on Sunday, September 27. She is the fifth suspect caught in the case. The investigation began at Namsai Police Station on August 17.

Sustained field work tracked victims across multiple states. Namsai Superintendent of Police Sange Thinley noted the progress. "Sustained investigation, field verification and coordinated operations across several districts and states helped police trace and rescue the victims," Thinley said.

The operation grew from an initial 19 rescues to 51. Four adults are among those saved. Deputy Superintendent of Police Kengo Dirchi leads the effort alongside the District Child Protection Unit and Child Welfare Committee. Officials have already recorded victim statements before a magistrate under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

Traffickers targeted poor families. They promised better schools and homes. Investigators uncovered payments between 10,000 and 50,000 rupees per child. Perpetrators allegedly forced the victims into domestic work or hotel labor. Police found children in Mechuka, Aalo, Pasighat, Naharlagun, Itanagar, and Longding.

Authorities are now tracing financial records to map the full network. They want to hold every intermediary and recipient accountable. Police continue to protect the identities of all rescued minors. More raids are coming. They seek to dismantle the entire chain.