The Railway Protection Force (RPF) Secunderabad Division has successfully rescued 08 child trafficking victims and detained 04 traffickers. The operation was conducted in collaboration with the NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan and was based on intelligence generated from continuous data analysis by the RPF’s Cyber Cell.
On 01st June 2023, RPF escorted Train No.12724 Telangana Express from its starting point of jurisdiction into Secunderabad Division i.e Ballarshah and conducted targeted raids from Ballarshah to Hyderabad. The operation was carried out by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of RPF Secunderabad Division and involved keeping a close watch on suspected coaches to identify and pinpoint the seat and coach numbers of the traffickers.
The operation was successful and 08 child trafficking victims were rescued along with 04 traffickers coming from Uttar Pradesh state. Upon reaching Hyderabad Railway station, RPF Inspector of Hyderabad co-ordinated with GRP, along with Sri. Venkateshwarlu, BBA, State Coordinator and Railway child line attended and forwarded to GRP for further legal action.
RPF, Secunderabad Division has implemented several measures to achieve this objective, including the deployment of additional personnel at railway stations, installation of CCTV cameras, and launch of awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of human trafficking. RPF has also established a dedicated helpline no 139 for the public to report suspected cases of trafficking, and has collaborated with other law enforcement agencies and non-governmental organizations to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases.
As a result of these efforts, RPF has been successful in rescuing victims of human trafficking and arresting numerous traffickers under OPERATION AAHT. RPF has also been recognized by the government and various organizations for its contributions to the fight against human trafficking. In the year 2023, RPF Secunderabad Division has rescued 151 children and arrested 69 traffickers.
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is conducting campaign from 1st June to 30th June, 2023 focusing on prevalence of Child Labour at Railway Stations and RPF, Secunderabad Division is committed to its efforts to end human trafficking and plans to conduct further tactical raids to bring an end to this serious issue. RPF appeals to the passengers and public to report any suspicious activity and to support its efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society from the cruel and inhumane practices of human trafficking.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been actively engaged in efforts to curb human trafficking in India under the Operation AAHT. In recent years, the RPF has intensified its efforts to prevent the transportation of individuals, particularly women and children, who are trafficked for forced labour and commercial sexual exploitation.