Cuttack: In a significant success under ‘Operation Nanhe Farishte’, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) at Cuttack railway station rescued 12 minors from Araria district of Bihar, who were allegedly brought to Odisha on the pretext of free education in a Madrasa.
The children were intercepted on Platform No. 4 of Cuttack railway station. During questioning, the minors revealed that an unknown person had asked them to alight at Cuttack station. Since no contact address or guardian was available, the RPF immediately took them into safe custody, provided them with food and water, and handed them over to Childline for further care, counselling, and rehabilitation.
‘Operation Nanhe Farishte’ is a dedicated nationwide initiative of the Railway Protection Force aimed at rescuing, protecting, and reuniting runaway, lost, abandoned, or trafficked children found at railway stations and on trains. This incident has raised serious concerns as a similar case was reported a few days ago when a cleric was intercepted by the Cuttack RPF while bringing several children from Araria district in Bihar under similar circumstances.
The Central Intelligence Agency was informed, and after verification, the children were released at that time.
Now, suspicion has arisen whether the same network or organisation is involved in bringing these minors to Odisha on the false promise of free Madrasa education and food, exploiting the poor and vulnerable families. The RPF has launched a detailed investigation to identify the persons or syndicate behind the incident and ascertain if there is any larger trafficking racket operating through the railway network.
Senior RPF officials said they are coordinating with authorities in Bihar and Odisha, as well as Child Welfare Committees, to trace the families of the rescued children and ensure their safe return. The Railway Protection Force has appealed to the general public and parents to remain vigilant against anyone luring children with promises of free education or better opportunities, especially at railway stations.
