In a significant anti-trafficking operation in Gopalganj, police and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit rescued over 44 minor girls exploited by illegal orchestra groups. Coordinated raids, overseen by district SP Vinay Tiwari, targeted around 15 such groups across different police station areas. Authorities arrested 21 individuals involved in running organized rackets that exploited minor girls under the guise of entertainment.
A special task force, established on the district SP’s orders, conducted simultaneous operations on various orchestra groups. The suspects arrested were allegedly part of organized networks that subjected minor girls to physical and mental exploitation. Cases have been filed under strict laws like the POCSO Act and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. The rescue mission involved a joint effort by the police, AVA, Narayani Seva Sansthan, and Just Rights for Children, a national network combating child exploitation.
Most of the rescued girls, aged between 10 and 17 years, were trafficked from states like West Bengal and Assam. They were forced to perform inappropriate dances at marriage events after being lured during the wedding season. The rescued girls have undergone medical examinations and are being presented before the Child Welfare Committee for further assistance. Authorities are also actively working to reunite them with their families.
