18 Kids Rescued From Trafficking Ring On Train At Prayagraj Station

Last Updated:September 05, 2025, 18:35 IST

At least 18 children were rescued in a suspected human trafficking bust at Prayagraj Junction after authorities received a tip off about kids being transported on a train

The repeated trafficking attempts on Seemanchal Express have raised alarms among the police force. (Representational Image)

A major operation was carried out at Prayagraj Junction railway station on Friday, September 3, when a joint team of Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) intercepted a group of 18 children travelling aboard the Seemanchal Express (12487).

Eyewitnesses said the stir began when the children were seen alighting one after another from a general coach of the train. On being questioned about their identities and destination, their replies aroused suspicion. The truth that followed shocked the police teams, who had already been tipped off about possible human trafficking on the train.

Acting swiftly, the joint force removed all 18 children from the coach and handed them over to Child Line after initial verification. Officials confirmed that the rescued children belonged to different districts of Bihar. They will now be counselled by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which will also decide on further legal and rehabilitative measures.

Police sources said they had received prior intelligence about traffickers using the Seemanchal Express to transport children in large numbers. Following the tip-off, the joint teams began a search operation at Prayagraj Junction, leading to the rescue.

This is not the first such case involving the train. On September 2, authorities had rescued 15 children in a similar operation. At that time, the children were allegedly being lured away under the pretext of education but were later found to have been intended for child labour. A case was registered by the GRP on September 4 in that instance.

The repeated use of the same train for suspected trafficking has raised alarm among officials. Investigating agencies are now probing whether a wider network of traffickers is systematically using the Seemanchal Express for smuggling children. Police suspect the latest rescue is also linked to child labour and trafficking rackets.

Authorities have vowed stricter surveillance on vulnerable routes, with officials describing the back-to-back incidents as a wake-up call. The investigation is continuing.

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