Itanagar: Police in Arunachal Pradesh have recovered 19 children from six locations across the state as part of an investigation into a suspected child trafficking and exploitation network, Namsai superintendent of police Sange Thinley said on Tuesday. Three persons were arrested in this connection.The children were recovered from Mechuka, Aalo, Pasighat, Naharlagun, Itanagar and Longding, he said. Three facilitators have been arrested in connection with the case.A case was registered at Namsai police station on Aug 17 following a formal complaint filed by Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Namsai.Given the inter-district nature of the operation, an SIT was constituted under the supervision of the SP, with assistance from deputy superintendent of police (headquarters) Martin Ratan.Deputy SP Kengo Dirchi has been appointed the investigating officer, along with a dedicated team of police officers.During the investigation, police arrested Gumnya Kochung, Marta Ete and Neha Gerory for their alleged roles as brokers, Thinley said.According to preliminary police findings, the network allegedly targeted economically vulnerable families by offering false assurances about better education, care and upbringing for their children.The children were subsequently procured, transported and placed with individuals in distant locations, police said.Police said the investigation had revealed monetary transactions ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 per child. In some cases, parents or guardians allegedly received money for handing over their children. Several of the children were reportedly forced to work as domestic help and in hotels.Police said most of the children were under eight years old, while the youngest was around three. Some were unable to recall their parents’ names.After their recovery, the children underwent medical examinations, were produced before the competent CWC and had their statements recorded before a magistrate through a child-friendly process.Thinley said legal protocols were being followed to protect the identities of the children.The SIT is analysing financial transactions, digital evidence and call records to determine the full extent of the alleged network, he said.Thinley said the investigation remained active and appealed to the public and parents to share credible information about children placed in similar circumstances.
