A suspected human trafficking network with links to Tripura and Nepal has come under investigation after six girls from Tripura were rescued at Panitanki near the India-Nepal border. Four of the rescued girls are minors. Two men, including a Dhalai district resident, were detained.
Key Takeaways:
- Six girls from Tripura, including four minors, were rescued at Panitanki near the India-Nepal border.
- Two men, including a Dhalai resident, were detained over alleged involvement in moving the girls across the border.
- Investigators are searching for other suspects linked to a dance bar in Biratnagar, Nepal.
Six girls from different districts of Tripura, including four minors, were rescued during a suspected human trafficking attempt at the India-Nepal border, officials said. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) detained two men who were allegedly facilitating the movement of the girls towards Nepal.
The interception took place on Thursday evening near Old Bridge in Panitanki. SSB personnel were conducting routine checks when the group came under suspicion.
Around 6.30 pm, the Border Intelligence Team of D Company, Panitanki, under the 41st Battalion, intercepted six girls travelling with two adult men.
The SSB suspected that the girls were being taken across the border for trafficking. The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit at Sector Headquarters, Ranidanga, was subsequently alerted.
Dhalai Resident Among Two Detained
The two detained men were identified as Nirmal Debbarma, 25, of Shimultai, East Dalu Chara in Dhalai district of Tripura, and Chinmay Basak, 32, of Danga Para, Jabaramli, Maynaguri, in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal.
During interrogation, authorities allegedly found that the two men were involved in facilitating the cross-border movement of the girls, according to an SSB official.
The Intelligence Bureau and other agencies joined the questioning. Officials also contacted NGO Kosi Lok Manch for assistance.
Investigators are examining how the girls were recruited and who arranged their proposed movement into Nepal.
Investigation Points to Nepal Dance Bar
According to the SSB official, the investigation has identified two other persons who were allegedly involved in arranging the movement of the girls.
They were identified as Anna, a resident of Cooch Behar in West Bengal, and Vicky Kaushik, reportedly the manager of Lotus Dance Bar in Biratnagar, Nepal.
Officials alleged that Anna and Kaushik were in contact with Debbarma and Basak. The four were reportedly coordinating to arrange girls for the dance bar in Biratnagar.
The SSB further alleged that Kaushik made the girls perform dances at the establishment and participate in other activities intended to entertain customers.
These allegations are part of the ongoing investigation, and authorities have not indicated that all aspects of the alleged network have been established.
Four Minors Among Six Tripura Girls
All six rescued girls are residents of different districts of Tripura, officials said. Four of them are minors.
The girls were provided counselling after the rescue. They were later handed over to Kharibari police station.
Officials said further inquiry will be conducted before the girls are reunited with their respective families.
The rescue has raised concerns over the vulnerability of young women and minors to trafficking networks operating across state and international borders.
Search Launched for Other Suspects
Investigating agencies have launched a search for Anna, who is suspected of having a role in the alleged trafficking network.
The SSB is also expected to approach the relevant authorities in Nepal regarding Kaushik and seek necessary action against him.
Officials said legal action will be initiated against the two detained men based on the findings of the investigation.
The case has also highlighted the importance of coordination between agencies operating along the India-Nepal border. (With inputs from IANS)
