MALIGAON, APRIL 28 (MExN): In a determined and relentless effort to ensure the safety of vulnerable passengers and combat human trafficking, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has made significant strides in recent operations. From April 1 to 15, 2025, the RPF successfully rescued 71 minors—both boys and girls—along with 2 women.
These individuals were promptly handed over to Child Line authorities, NGOs, parents, and local police for necessary further action. As part of its intensified crackdown on crime, the RPF also arrested one human trafficker and one kidnapper, both of whom were subsequently handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP) and local police for further legal proceedings, a press release issued by the CPRO stated on Monday.
Notable successes include a high-profile rescue operation on April 9 at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, where a human trafficker was apprehended and three minor boys were rescued. The trafficker, along with the minors, was handed over to the GRP, New Jalpaiguri, where a case under the Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act was registered.
In another case, on April 3, the RPF team at Kishanganj Railway Station rescued 10 runaway minors, hailing from various districts of Bihar and West Bengal. These minors were safely placed in the care of Child Line, Kishanganj, for rehabilitation and counselling.
Further, on April 7, at North Lakhimpur Railway Station, the RPF team from Harmuti Post successfully rescued a runaway minor girl, who was later reunited with her family after proper verification.
On April 10, a joint operation by the RPF team at Alipurduar Junction, along with the SIB team, resulted in the rescue of four runaway minors, including two girls. These minors were handed over to Child Line, Alipurduar, for safe custody.
Under the ongoing "Meri Saheli" initiative, aimed at ensuring the safety of women passengers traveling alone, the RPF's dedicated women’s squads provided assistance to 1,220 lone female travelers across the NFR in March 2025. Additionally, they rescued one minor girl and one woman during their vigilant efforts.
The Railway Protection Force of Northeast Frontier Railway remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening passenger security, especially for women and children, through proactive measures, timely interventions, and continuous passenger-centric initiatives.
