Kolkata: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and child rights activists intercepted a 14-year-old girl at the Indo-Nepal Panitanki border on Aug 8, foiling an alleged trafficking attempt.SSB personnel stopped 32-year-old Rabiul Islam while he was taking the unaccompanied minor into Nepal. He claimed she was being taken to a hotel for event work, but counselling by NGO Kosi Lok Manch revealed she had been lured with promises of a lucrative job and taken to a Lataguri resort, where she was allegedly expected to entertain clients.Police suspect Islam was involved in transporting girls, while a recruiter, “Mon Da”, lured vulnerable minors. Photos of several girls were found on Islam’s phone. The girl was handed to Kharibari Police and produced before the CWC. Islam was arrested.Rishi Kant, national secretary of Just Rights for Children, said: “The latest intervention at the Indo-Nepal Panitanki border is deeply concerning and serves as an eye-opener to the growing vulnerability of minor girls to exploitation along the Siliguri Corridor. The repeated movement of vulnerable children towards the Nepal side under the guise of employment and other opportunities raises serious questions about the presence of organised networks operating across the region. This case must not be treated as an isolated incident. A comprehensive investigation is urgently required to identify the entire network, including those involved in recruiting, luring, transporting and exploiting minor girls. The complete racket must be unearthed and dismantled and strong legal action must be taken against every person found involved.”
