Ara: Bhojpur police on Sunday claimed to have busted a human trafficking network and rescued 12 girls, including some minors, who were allegedly lured with promises of employment and forced to work as dancers at various events. Two people, including a woman from Uttar Pradesh, have been arrested in connection with the case.Ara Sadar SDPO-1 Sushil Kumar said a joint team of Dhobahan police, Ara Mahila police station and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) raided a tin-roofed house in Dhobahan village following a tip-off received by the local police station.“The team, led by AHTU sub-inspector Gudiya Kumari, found 12 girls inside the makeshift house,” he said.According to the police, the girls told the women police personnel and the AHTU team that they had been promised suitable employment but were allegedly forced to perform as dancers at various events.Police said their investigation had identified five people involved in the trafficking network. Two accused, Juli Kumari, a resident of Maharajganj in Uttar Pradesh, and Mukesh Kumar Paswan (28), son of Surendra Paswan of Babura village in Bhojpur, have been arrested.The remaining three accused, identified as Keshav Paswan, Kishor Ram and Sonu Yadav, are yet to be arrested. Police said raids were underway to trace them.praveensibu@gmail.com
