Namsai: Namsai Police have rescued 19 children from across Arunachal Pradesh and arrested three people suspected of facilitating their alleged trafficking and exploitation, as the investigation continues to trace more children and identify others linked to the network, Namsai SP Sangey Thinley confirmed to NeNow on Monday evening.
The children were rescued from Mechuka, Aalo, Pasighat, Naharlagun, Itanagar and Longding. Investigators are examining the alleged procurement, transportation and placement of children with different individuals.
The case was registered at Namsai Police Station on August 17 following a complaint filed by the Namsai Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Considering the seriousness and inter-district nature of the case, police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of SP Sangey Thinley.
DySP (HQ) Matin Ratan is assisting the SP, while DySP Kengo Dirchi, SDPO Namsai, has been appointed as the investigating officer. The SIT also includes Namsai Police Station Officer-in-Charge Inspector T. Gadi, SI R. Kahik and other personnel.
Police have arrested Gumnya Kochung, Marta Ete and Neha Gerory for their suspected roles as facilitators or brokers in the alleged network.
The preliminary investigation has indicated that economically vulnerable families were allegedly approached with promises of better education, care and upbringing for their children. The children were then allegedly taken to other locations and placed with different individuals.
Investigators have also found indications of monetary transactions ranging from around Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 per child in some cases. Police are examining whether parents or guardians were allegedly paid money in exchange for handing over their children.
Some rescued children were reportedly made to work as domestic helpers or in hotels, raising further concerns about their alleged exploitation.
Police said the ages of several rescued children have added to the seriousness of the case. Most are reportedly below eight years old, while some were unable to provide basic information about their families, including their parents’ names, during initial interactions. The youngest child identified so far was reportedly around three years old when they were allegedly procured or placed.
Following the rescue, the children underwent necessary medical examinations and child-protection procedures. They have been produced before the competent Child Welfare Committee, while their statements are being recorded before a Magistrate through procedures designed to protect their welfare and dignity.
Police said the identities, photographs and other details that could reveal the children’s identities are being kept confidential in accordance with the law.
The SIT is also examining financial records, call details, digital evidence and the movement of the children to establish links between alleged facilitators, recipients and other individuals. Investigators are working to determine the role of each person connected to the suspected network.
Police stressed that the rescue of 19 children is not the end of the operation. Further teams are continuing searches to locate additional children and identify others who may have been involved.
Namsai Police have appealed to anyone with information about children allegedly taken, transported or placed with others under similar circumstances to contact the nearest police station or Child Welfare Committee.
Parents and guardians who may have handed over their children through intermediaries or facilitators have also been urged to share information with investigators.
Police said all credible information would be verified promptly, while the safety, privacy, dignity and best interests of the rescued children would remain the priority.
The investigation and rescue operation are continuing.