Major child trafficking bust: 163 boys rescued from express train in Katni
In a major anti-trafficking operation, authorities rescued 163 minor boys from an express train in Katni after receiving inputs about suspected child trafficking, officials said on Sunday.
The boys, aged between six and 13, were allegedly being transported from Araria to Latur. Eight individuals accompanying them have been arrested.
Acting on a tip-off from the Child Welfare Committee, a joint team of the Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police intercepted the Patna-Purna Express at Katni railway station.
Officials found the children travelling in overcrowded sleeper coaches without valid tickets or documentation, raising suspicion. Nearly 50 children were packed into a single compartment, police said.
Preliminary investigations suggest the minors were being taken to Maharashtra for labour work. However, the accused claimed the children were being sent to a madrasa in Latur for education. Some parents contacted by authorities reportedly supported this claim.
A case has been registered under Section 143(4) (child trafficking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is underway.
The rescued children are currently under the care of child protection units in Katni and Jabalpur, where they are being counselled. Authorities are verifying their identities and contacting their families.
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