A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Arunachal Pradesh Police has rescued 19 children from multiple locations across the state and arrested three women allegedly involved in a suspected child trafficking network, officials said on Tuesday, 25 August. The operation, still ongoing, is one of the most significant anti-trafficking actions in the state in recent memory.

Key Developments in the Rescue Operation

The rescued children were found at locations spanning Mechuka, Aalo, Pasighat, Naharlagun, Itanagar, and Longding — indicating a wide inter-district network. The three arrested individuals — Gumnya Kochung, Marta Ete, and Neha Gerory — are alleged to have acted as facilitators and brokers in procuring, transporting, and placing the children with third parties.

The case was first registered at Namsai Police Station on 17 August following a complaint from the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of Namsai district. Given the inter-district scale, the SIT was constituted under the supervision of Namsai District Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley, with Deputy Superintendent of Police (HQ) Martin Ratan assisting.

How the Network Allegedly Operated

Preliminary investigation indicates that economically vulnerable families were allegedly approached with promises of better education, care, and upbringing for their children. According to officials, suspected monetary transactions ranging from approximately ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per child have emerged from the probe. In some cases, parents and guardians allegedly received money in exchange for handing over their children — though the circumstances and individual roles of all persons involved are being independently examined.

Some of the rescued children were allegedly engaged as domestic helpers and in hotel-related work. This is consistent with patterns documented in trafficking cases across northeastern India, where children from economically distressed households are placed under the guise of domestic employment.

A Particularly Alarming Profile of Victims

A majority of the rescued children are reportedly below eight years of age, according to a police statement. During preliminary interactions, some children were reportedly unable to recall even their parents' names or basic family details. The youngest child identified was reportedly around three years old at the time of alleged procurement and placement — a detail that police described as a particularly concerning aspect of the case.

Following their rescue, all children underwent medical examinations and child-protection procedures before being produced before the competent Child Welfare Committee. Statements are being recorded before a Magistrate through a child-friendly and sensitive process, as required by law. The identities and photographs of the children are being strictly protected.

Investigation Scope and Public Appeal

The SIT is examining financial transactions, call records, digital evidence, the movements of the children, and links among alleged facilitators, receivers, and other persons to establish the complete network. Police have made clear that the rescue of 19 children does not mark the end of the operation — teams are continuing efforts to trace additional children and identify other individuals who may be involved.

Namsai District Police have appealed to members of the public with information about children who may have been taken, transported, or placed under similar circumstances to approach the nearest police station or Child Welfare Committee. Parents and guardians who handed over children through any intermediary have also been urged to come forward. 'Every credible input will be promptly verified, with the safety, dignity, privacy and best interests of the children remaining the foremost priority,' police said. The investigation and recovery operation are continuing.