Railway Protection Force Rescues 738 Children from Trafficking

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has successfully rescued a total of 738 runaway children and 89 women and children from trafficking between January and July 2025. This initiative, part of ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, also led to the apprehension of nine traffickers within the jurisdiction of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).

The Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeast Frontier Railway, Kapinjal Kishor Sharma, detailed the operations aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals. A special drive conducted from August 16 to 19 resulted in the rescue of 16 minors from various trains and stations, including notable locations such as Maligaon, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Katihar, Purnea, Kokrajhar, Alipurduar, Guwahati, Kamakhya, and Jalalgarh.

Sharma emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious activities, urging passengers to use the RPF helpline number 139 to alert authorities about unattended children or potential trafficking situations. This proactive approach aims to enhance safety and security within the railway network.

All individuals rescued during these operations were safely handed over to Child Line, non-governmental organizations, or their legal guardians after thorough verification processes. The RPF’s commitment to safeguarding children and women from exploitation is a critical component of their broader mandate to ensure the safety of passengers traveling on India’s extensive railway system.

The ongoing focus on combating human trafficking reflects a growing awareness of the issue in India, highlighting the need for collaboration between law enforcement agencies, local communities, and passengers to protect the most vulnerable members of society.