Staff Reporter

Shillong, April 28: In a determined effort to safeguard vulnerable passengers and curb human trafficking, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has achieved notable success from April 1^st to 15^th, 2025.

The RPF has rescued a total of 71 minor boys and girls, along with 2 women, ensuring their safe handover to respective Child Lines, NGOs, parents and local police authorities for further necessary action. As part of the crackdown against crime, the RPF also arrested 1 human trafficker and 1 kidnapper during these operations; both were handed over to the concerned GRP/Police authorities for further legal proceedings.

On April 9, 2025, at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, the RPF team apprehended a human trafficker. In this operation, three minor boys were rescued. The apprehended trafficker along with the rescued minors was handed over to IC/GRP/New Jalpaiguri, where a case under relevant sections of Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act was registered.

Similarly, on April 3^rd, 2025, a team of RPF Post, Kishanganj, rescued 10 runaway minor boys hailing from various districts of Bihar and West Bengal at Kishanganj Railway Station. All rescued miners were safely handed over to Child Line, Kishanganj for proper rehabilitation and counselling. At North Lakhimpur Railway Station, on April 7^th, 2025, a team from RPF Post, Harmuti, rescued a runaway minor girl. After proper verification, she was handed over to her family member, ensuring her safe return home.

Additionally, on April 10^th, 2025, a team of RPF Post Alipurduar Junction along with SIB team of Alipurduar rescued 4 runaway minors, including 2 girls, at Alipurduar Junction Railway Station. These minors were subsequently handed over to Child Line, Alipurduar for safe custody.

Under the 'Meri Saheli' initiative, aimed at ensuring the safety of women passengers traveling alone, the RPF lady squads made remarkable efforts during March 2025. The squads assisted a total of 1,220 lone lady passengers across the NFR, ensuring their safe journey. They also rescued 1 minor girl and 1 woman.

The Railway Protection Force of Northeast Frontier Railway remains deeply committed to enhancing passenger security, especially for women and children, through proactive vigilance, timely interventions and continuous passenger-friendly initiatives.