RANCHI, Jharkhand – In a swift and decisive action, thirteen children, including a young girl, were successfully rescued from an alleged human trafficking attempt aboard a train in Jharkhand. The children were reportedly being transported to Goa for exploitative labor, authorities confirmed on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
The rescue operation unfolded after intelligence agencies received information on Monday evening, October 13, 2025, detailing that several children were being trafficked via the Vasco da Gama (VSG) Weekly Express. Responding promptly, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel boarded the train at Muri station.
RPF officers meticulously monitored the children’s movements until the train arrived at Ranchi station, where the rescue was executed. The children, aged between 12 and 17, had mostly boarded the train at Jasidih Junction.
During questioning, the children struggled to provide coherent answers regarding their destination or accompanying adults. An RPF officer stated, “They were largely unaware of why they were headed to Goa, only mentioning that they expected to find work upon arrival.”
Following their rescue, the children were immediately placed under the care of Child Line officials, ensuring their safety and well-being. A formal case has been registered with the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Ranchi to investigate the incident further.
This incident follows another successful operation just days prior. On Sunday, October 12, 2025, three tribal boys were also rescued at Ranchi station. They were being trafficked to Agartala with the intention of being forced into labor at a mill.
In connection with this separate case, the alleged trafficker, Jagatpal Oraon, was apprehended on Monday, October 13, 2025. He confessed to the police that he had received ₹5,000 to transport the children from Gumla to Ranchi, underscoring the grim financial incentives driving such illicit activities.