Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued 25 minor boys at Khurda Road Railway Station on Friday, sparking suspicions of child trafficking.
RPF intercepted the group during a routine inspection of the Vasco da Gama–Amaravati Superfast Express on Platform No. 2. The boys, reportedly from districts in West Bengal and Bihar, were travelling to Bengaluru for madrasa studies.
Officials discovered the children were accompanied by a single escort who failed to produce parental consent documents. The absence of authorisation raised immediate concerns. RPF detained the escort for questioning and handed the minors to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
The anti-human trafficking unit launched a probe to verify the circumstances. Authorities said clarity will emerge after a detailed inquiry.
The operation began after a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) alerted Khurda Road authorities about suspected child movement from Cuttack station. Acting swiftly, RPF and Government Railway Police (GRP) checked the train and intercepted the group.
Officials confirmed the investigation will determine whether trafficking networks were involved. The minors remain under CWC care as per legal protocols.
