Two Minor Girls rescued from suspected incident of Human Trafficking at the Indo-Nepal Border

On 11 October 2026, a timely intervention by the Border Interaction Team (BIT) of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at Panitanki led to the rescue of two minor girls from Mizoram who were allegedly being sexually exploited under the pretext of employment.

At approximately 5:00 PM, the SSB BIT team intercepted a Toyota Hyryder at the New Bridge, Indo–Nepal Border, while it was travelling from India towards Nepal. The vehicle was carrying a 17-year-old girl, a 61-year-old man and a driver. Upon verification, the girl was found to be a minor, raising serious concerns about her movement with the adult male. The SSB team immediately contacted its Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), Ranidanga, and Kosi Lok Manch, partner of Just Rights for Children, for assistance.

Kosi Lok Manch team promptly reached the border and counselled the minor, referred to here as Maya (to protect her identity). During counselling, she disclosed that the accused had allegedly lured her with the promise of employment at a spa centre, taking advantage of her financial vulnerability following the death of her parents. She further alleged that she had been sexually exploited and had been staying with the accused for approximately one month under the pretext of providing personal care and housekeeping services. During the interaction, Maya revealed that another 17-year-old girl from Mizoram, referred to as Rina, was staying at the accused's accommodation at Indigo Residency, Salugara, Siliguri. She expressed concern that the second girl had also been lured with a similar employment promise and subjected to exploitation.

Recognising the urgency, our team immediately contacted the Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling, and requested intervention for the recovery of the second minor. Acting promptly, the SP directed the Panitanki Outpost police team to coordinate with our organisation. A joint operation involving Kosi Lok Manch, Panitanki Outpost and Bhaktinagar Police Station was subsequently undertaken, resulting in the successful recovery of Rina from Indigo Residency, Salugara.

Following the rescue, both girls were brought under protective arrangements, and Kosi Lok Manch lodged a written complaint at Kharibari Police Station detailing the circumstances of the interception, the girls' disclosures and the recovery operation. Subsequently, the FIR was registered at the Kharibari Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the POCSO Act, the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and the Information Technology Act.

The initial investigation also raised serious concerns regarding the accused's alleged operation of approximately 15 spa centres in Mumbai and Goa. Examination of his mobile phone reportedly revealed photographs and videos indicating suspected sexual exploitation of the two minors, necessitating further investigation into possible involvement of other persons and the existence of additional victims. Both girls underwent medical examinations and were produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Matigara. They were subsequently placed in a CWC-authorised children's home for their safety, care, protection and rehabilitation.

Beyond the immediate rescue, Kosi Lok Manch initiated coordination with the CID Special Branch and Crime Branch, Mizoram, for identity and family verification and the girls' safe rehabilitation and restoration. A detailed representation was also submitted to the Director General, Law and Order, West Bengal, requesting a thorough investigation into the accused's alleged spa operations, possible involvement of intermediaries and the suspected child sexual exploitation material found on his mobile phone.

Every timely intervention can save a childhood. Every rescued child deserves justice, dignity and the opportunity to rebuild their future.