The Railway Protection Force (RPF) successfully rescued four minor girls from a human trafficking attempt at Raxaul Railway Station on May 13, 2025.
Acting on intelligence inputs, the RPF team at Raxaul Post, in collaboration with GRP Raxaul, SSB Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Railway Childline-Raxaul, and the NGO “Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre”, intercepted Train No. 15273 Raxaul–Anand Vihar Satyagrah Express and rescued the victims, aged between 13 and 17.
Investigations revealed that the minors had been trafficked from Nepal under false promises of employment opportunities and assistance in locating a missing relative in Gorakhpur. Their families were unaware of their travel, a common tactic used by traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals.
The trafficker accompanying the girls was arrested on the spot, and the minors were handed over to child protection authorities for immediate care. An FIR has been lodged at GRP Raxaul under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, and the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.
“This case is a grim reminder that the menace of human trafficking continues to haunt society,” said Shri Manoj Yadava, Director General, RPF. “But our fight is unwavering. I urge every user of Indian Railways to remain vigilant. Your alertness can save a life. If something feels or looks unusual and suspicious, report it on 139. Your action could mean the difference between freedom and exploitation.”
This rescue is part of Operation AAHT (Action Against Human Trafficking), the RPF’s flagship campaign to counter human trafficking across the railway network. In 2024–25 alone, the operation has led to the rescue of 929 victims, including 874 children (50 girls and 824 boys), and the arrest of 274 traffickers.
To further strengthen anti-trafficking efforts, dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) have been established across Indian Railways. In 2024, the RPF also entered into a formal collaboration with the National Commission for Women, enhancing inter-agency coordination and victim support mechanisms.
Through sustained vigilance, strategic partnerships, and community awareness, the RPF continues to play a pivotal role in securing railway premises from trafficking, protecting vulnerable children and ensuring their safety.
