Bhubaneswar: In a significant intervention, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued 25 minor boys from Khurda Road Railway Station on Friday, triggering suspicion of a possible child trafficking attempt.
The minors, reportedly from various districts of West Bengal and Bihar, were travelling to Bengaluru to pursue studies at a madrasa. They were intercepted during a routine inspection on Platform No. 2 when the Vasco da Gama–Amaravati Superfast Express halted at the station.
According to officials, the children were accompanied by a single individual who failed to produce any authorization or consent documents from their parents or guardians during questioning. The absence of valid paperwork immediately raised concerns, prompting RPF personnel to detain the escort for further interrogation.
The minors were subsequently brought to the RPF office for verification. Following the preliminary inquiry, the anti-human trafficking unit initiated a detailed investigation into the matter.
Officials said the rescued children have been handed over to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for care and further legal procedures.
Sources indicated that the operation was initiated after a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) onboard the train alerted authorities at Khurda Road about suspected movement of minors from Cuttack railway station. Acting on the tip-off, the RPF team swiftly conducted checks and intercepted the group.
Authorities from the RPF and Government Railway Police (GRP) stated that further clarity will emerge after completion of the ongoing investigation.
