As many as 23 children were reportedly rescued in two separate operations at Ongole and Gudur railway stations early on Wednesday. A joint team of officials conducted inspections on Train No. 16602 (Jogbani-Erode Amrit Bharat Express) at Vijayawada, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur and Naidupeta railway stations.

During the operation at Ongole railway station, 11 children were allegedly rescued and seven escorts travelling with them were arrested. Meanwhile, in another operation, 12 children were allegedly rescued and eight persons accompanying them were caught at the Gudur railway station. As per the preliminary inquiry, the children were reportedly being transported from Bihar to work as labourers at oil factories in Erode, Tamil Nadu.

Speaking to The Hindu, Nellore Railway Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) G. Muralidhar said, “This operation to prevent child trafficking and child labour has been carried out with the credible information received from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR).”

“Under the directions of A.P. Railway DIG Satya Yesu Babu, a joint operation was carried out by the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), and NCPCR Anti-Child Trafficking Cell (ATC) to rescue the children, who were allegedly being trafficked for child labour,” he informed.

Based on the information provided by the APSCPCR, the NCPCR alerted the concerned authorities and directed immediate action. It reportedly indicated that several minor children from Bihar were being transported to Erode for employment as child labourers. Under the continuous monitoring and coordination of the NCPCR, the special operation was launched.

The DSP further said that immediate food, care, counselling, and other necessary support services were provided to the rescued children, and they were produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). The rehabilitation and family reunification processes are being undertaken in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act.

This joint operation highlights the importance of timely intelligence sharing, inter-State coordination, and swift action in combating child trafficking. Railway DIG Satya Yesu Babu congratulated the DSP, CIs and their staff for their efforts in rescuing the children.