163 Minor Boys Rescued From Train in Madhya Pradesh, 8 Held on Trafficking Charges

163 Minor Boys Rescued From Train in Madhya Pradesh, 8 Held on Trafficking Charges

Katni, Apr 12 (VoM News): As many as 163 minor boys, allegedly being trafficked from Bihar to Maharashtra, were rescued from an express train in Katni district, officials said on Sunday.

Eight persons have been arrested in connection with the case. However, the accused claimed the children were being taken to a madrasa in Latur for education.

Acting on a tip off from the Child Welfare Committee, a joint team of the Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police launched an overnight operation at Katni railway station.

The team intercepted the accused travelling with the children onboard the Patna Purna Express. Officials said the group did not have proper tickets or valid documents, raising suspicion.

RPF Katni inspector Virendra Singh said the children, aged between six and 13 years, were being taken from the Araria region of Bihar to Latur.

A case has been registered under Section 143(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with trafficking of minors. All eight accused are residents of different districts of Bihar.

Initial investigation suggests the boys were being transported for labour work. However, during questioning, the accused maintained they were taking the children for education at a madrasa.

Katni GRP SHO L P Kashyap said some parents contacted by police also stated they had sent their children for studies.

Around 50 children were found packed into a single sleeper coach, officials said, adding that the situation raised serious concerns about their safety.

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Child Protection Officer Manish Tiwari said the rescued children are currently undergoing counselling and verification of their identity and travel purpose is underway.

Some of the children have been shifted to shelter homes in Katni, while others have been moved to Jabalpur under the care of child protection units.

Police said further investigation is in progress, and the accused will be produced before a court.