Digboi: An investigation into an alleged trafficking and exploitation network targeting minor girls has widened in Assam’s Tinsukia district, with four minors rescued and seven people arrested so far.
According to sources, the rescued girls are from different parts of Tinsukia and were allegedly lured into the suspected network with promises of education and employment. The development has raised concerns over the vulnerability of minors and the need for stronger mechanisms to detect and prevent such exploitation.
The investigation reportedly gathered momentum following the arrest of Puja Das of Tinsukia, who investigators allegedly identified as a key figure in the suspected network. Police subsequently made additional arrests based on information obtained during questioning and evidence collected during the probe.
In a recent development, Tushar Goyal of Tinsukia, described by investigators as an alleged customer, was arrested on Saturday and produced before a court. The court granted police three days’ remand for further questioning. Investigators are examining his alleged role and possible links to others under investigation.
The case has been registered as Tinsukia Police Station Case No. 1060/26 under Sections 61(2), 96, 127(4), 137(2), 143(5), 144(1), 337 and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Police have also invoked Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1986, along with Sections 4 and 17 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Investigators are examining whether hotels and other establishments were allegedly used to facilitate activities linked to the case. Police are looking into the possible involvement of specific premises and individuals to determine whether the suspected network had wider connections.
The case has also raised questions about the detection of vulnerable children and preventive policing in the district. Investigators are expected to examine how minors from different locations were allegedly targeted and whether earlier warning signs were missed.
The ongoing probe is focused on establishing the individual roles of those arrested and determining how the alleged network operated, including the recruitment, movement, accommodation and alleged exploitation of the minors.
Police are continuing to question the accused and examine evidence, with the possibility of further arrests if additional links emerge.
The case has highlighted the need for stronger preventive measures alongside criminal investigation, particularly to identify vulnerable children and disrupt suspected trafficking networks before further victims are targeted.
The allegations against the arrested persons remain subject to investigation and due legal process. Their guilt has not been established by a court. The identities of the minor victims have not been disclosed in accordance with law.