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Rajasthan Child Rescue: 22 Minors Saved from Trafficking at Railway Station

Authorities rescued 22 children from a potential trafficking situation at a Rajasthan railway station. The kids were allegedly being taken to Gujarat for catering work. Three agents were detained after they tried to escape and gave false stories to officials. The Child Welfare Committee has now placed the children in a care home while the investigation expands.

Key Points: 22 Children Rescued from Dungarpur Station, 3 Agents Held

  • Joint operation by RPF, Child Line, and Srishti Seva Sansthan based on a specific tip-off
  • Agents initially lied, claiming the children were relatives or on a picnic
  • 27 people intercepted, with 22 confirmed as minors aged 11 to 18 after verification
  • Children presented before CWC and placed in a care home; legal action initiated
2 min read

22 kids rescued from Rajasthan railway station; three agents detained

RPF and Child Line rescue 22 minors from trafficking at Rajasthan's Dungarpur station. Three agents detained as investigation into child labour network continues.

"Individual questioning of the children revealed the truth -- they were being taken out of the state for labour. - Official Report"

Jaipur, Dec 4

In a coordinated operation, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Child Line, and Srishti Seva Sansthan rescued 22 minor children from Dungarpur railway station in Rajasthan. The children were allegedly being trafficked to Gujarat for catering work.

Authorities also detained three agents involved in transporting the group, said officials on Thursday.

According to the officials, the agents had gathered the children from different villages in Dungarpur district and were planning to board a train via Chittorgarh to Asarwa, Gujarat.

Child Line officials from the Department of Child Rights confirmed that the rescue was carried out following a tip-off received from the RPF. The information indicated that a group of children had arrived at the station and were suspected of being transported for illegal labour.

A joint team comprising Child Line, Srishti Seva Sansthan, RPF, and GRP personnel immediately reached the station and initiated verification.

As the team approached, the agents attempted to escape. When detained and questioned, they initially denied knowing the children. They later tried to mislead officials, first claiming to be relatives and later saying the group was on a picnic trip. However, individual questioning of the children revealed the truth -- they were being taken out of the state for labour.

A total of 27 individuals were intercepted. After age verification, 22 were identified as minors between the ages of 11 and 18, while five were found to be adults. The detained agents were identified as Jaichand, Ashish, and Sanjay. The children reportedly belonged to Jhothari, Bedsa, Simalwara, and Mewada villages of Dungarpur district.

The rescued minors were presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which ordered their placement in a child care home.

The committee also directed authorities to initiate strict legal action against the accused agents involved in trafficking and illegal child labour. Authorities said further investigation is underway to identify the network behind the trafficking attempt.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good work by the authorities! But this raises a bigger question - why are families in these villages so vulnerable? Poverty and lack of opportunities are the real culprits here. We need development schemes that actually reach the ground, not just rescue operations after the fact.
A
Aman W
The agents' excuses are so pathetic - first they don't know them, then they're relatives, then it's a picnic! Shame on these people exploiting children. I hope the CWC ensures these kids get proper care and education now. The network behind this must be crushed completely.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works with NGOs, I see this pattern often. Traffickers target remote districts like Dungarpur with promises of good jobs. Awareness campaigns in schools and villages are crucial. Parents need to know the dangers.
V
Vikram M
While the rescue is commendable, let's be honest - this is just the tip of the iceberg. How many children slip through? Our railway stations need more vigilant staff and better systems to identify suspicious movement. This should be a nationwide priority.
K
Kriti O
Heartening to see different agencies - RPF, GRP, Child Line, Srishti Seva Sansthan - working together so effectively. This is how it should always be. Now, follow the money and find who in Gujarat was waiting to employ these minors. The chain must be broken.

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