On May 13, 2025, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) successfully foiled a human trafficking attempt at Raxaul Railway Station, rescuing four minor girls aged 13 to 17. This operation, conducted under the Operation AAHT (Action Against Human Trafficking), highlights the RPF’s commitment to child safety and combating trafficking across India’s railway network. This article delves into the details of the rescue, its broader context, and the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable individuals.
Details of the Rescue Operation
Swift and Coordinated Action
Acting on timely intelligence, the RPF team at Raxaul, in collaboration with the Government Railway Police (GRP), SSB Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Railway Childline-Raxaul, and the NGO Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre, intercepted Train No. 15273 Raxaul–Anand Vihar Satyagrah Express on May 13, 2025. The operation led to the rescue of four girls from Nepal, who were being trafficked under false pretenses.
Modus Operandi of Traffickers
Investigations revealed that the minors were lured with 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, particularly in border areas.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | May 13, 2025 |
| Location | Raxaul Railway Station, Bihar |
| Agencies Involved | RPF, GRP, SSB, Railway Childline, Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre |
| Victims | Four minor girls (aged 13–17) from Nepal |
Outcomes and Legal Action
Arrest and Victim Support
The operation resulted in the arrest of a trafficker accompanying the girls. An FIR was lodged at GRP Raxaul under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Juvenile Justice Act, and Child and Adolescent Labour Act, 1986. The rescued girls were handed over to child welfare authorities for immediate care and protection.
Leadership Perspective
Shri Manoj Yadava, Director General of RPF, described the rescue as a stark reminder of the ongoing menace of human trafficking. He urged railway users to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities on the helpline 139, emphasizing that public alertness can be a game-changer in saving lives.
Operation AAHT: A Nationwide Initiative
Impact and Achievements
Operation AAHT is the RPF’s flagship campaign to combat human trafficking across India’s railway network. In 2024–25, it has achieved significant milestones:
- 929 victims rescued, including 874 children (50 girls, 824 boys).
- 274 traffickers arrested.
The establishment of Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) across the railway network and a formal collaboration with the National Commission for Women in 2024 have further strengthened these efforts.
Broader Significance
Through sustained vigilance, strategic partnerships, and community awareness, the RPF continues to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly children, from exploitation, ensuring the safety and dignity of all railway users.
Why It Matters
Operation AAHT underscores the critical role of coordinated efforts in tackling human trafficking, a pervasive social issue. By rescuing victims and apprehending traffickers, the RPF contributes to child safety and social justice, reinforcing the importance of vigilance and inter-agency collaboration in protecting society’s most vulnerable.
Key Highlights
- Event Date: May 13, 2025, at Raxaul Railway Station.
- Operation: Rescue of four minor girls under Operation AAHT.
- Agencies Involved: RPF, GRP, SSB, Railway Childline, Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre.
- Outcome: One trafficker arrested, FIR lodged, victims handed over to child welfare authorities.
- Operation AAHT Impact: 929 victims rescued, 274 traffickers arrested in 2024–25.
- Significance: Strengthened anti-trafficking efforts through AHTUs and collaboration with the National Commission for Women.