What Led to the Arrest of Two in a Minor Girl Trafficking Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- NIA arrests two for human trafficking
- Investigation began after rescue of a minor
- Raids conducted in Kolkata and Bangaon
- Financial transactions linked to suspects uncovered
- Agency operates under Ministry of Home Affairs
Kolkata, Sep 21 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended two individuals in Bangaon, located in the North 24 Parganas district, as part of an investigation into a human trafficking incident, announced the central investigation agency on Sunday.
Those arrested include Amal Krishna Mondal and Amir Ali Sheikh, who are accused of participating in a human trafficking network.
On Saturday, the NIA conducted searches at five different sites in the Kolkata and Bangaon regions of West Bengal.
Sources reveal that a few months prior, the Odisha Police had rescued a minor girl in Bhubaneswar. It is suspected that she entered the country illegally after crossing the border, subsequently being transported to Cuttack from Kolkata.
Information about the human trafficking operation surfaced after police interviews with the minor. Following this revelation, NIA detectives initiated an investigation.
During the inquiry into the trafficking operation, the financial dealings of Amal Krishna Mandal from Gaighata and Amir Ali Sheikh from Bangaon were uncovered.
According to sources, Amir Ali Sheikh is linked to foreign exchange dealings, while Amal Krishna is suspected of arranging lodging for individuals after they were smuggled across the border.
The NIA team from Bhubaneswar executed a raid last night and apprehended both suspects, who were subsequently presented before the Bankshal court.
Following their court appearance, the NIA transported them to Bhubaneswar on a transit remand. Authorities seized numerous documents, including mobile devices and passports. The NIA is currently investigating transactions related to the suspects in Bangladesh.
The NIA is a federal counter-terrorism law enforcement body that was established after the 2008 Mumbai attacks to tackle terror-related crimes on a national and international scale.
Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the agency has the jurisdiction to investigate cases nationwide.
The NIA is headquartered in the national capital, Delhi.