19 trafficked children rescued in Arunachal, three women arrested
Arunachal Pradesh police rescued 19 children across multiple districts, with three women arrested as alleged traffickers. The operation followed a case registered on August 17, and ongoing investigations trace a network across several towns.
Key takeaways
- Namsai district police rescued 19 children and arrested three women tied to the trafficking allegations.
- The operation traced the children to several towns including Mechukha, Aalo, Pasighat, Longding, Itanagar, and Naharlagun.
- The case was registered on August 17, with a Special Investigation Team led by DSP Kengo Dirchi investigating financial and digital leads.
What Happened
The police in Arunachal Pradesh’s Namsai district said 19 children were rescued from different locations within the state. Three women were arrested in connection with the case, accused of facilitating or brokering child trafficking for domestic work or hotel and restaurant placements. The operation followed the registration of a case on August 17, and an SIT was formed to investigate the network.
The rescue effort traced the children to locations including Mechukha in Shi-Yomi district, Aalo in West Siang, Pasighat in East Siang, Longding, and the state capitals Itanagar and Naharlagun. The district police identified the arrested individuals as G Gumnya Kochung, Marta Ete, and Neha Gerory, who are alleged to have played roles as facilitators or brokers in the trafficking chain.
Several children were reported to be very young, with some under eight years old. The youngest identified child was around three years old at the time of procurement or placement. Police described the families as economically vulnerable and indicated that some guardians received money as part of the arrangements. The children were produced before the Child Welfare Committee and underwent medical examinations and child-protection procedures, with their statements to be recorded before magistrates in a child-friendly process.
The SIT is examining financial transactions, call records, digital evidence, and movements to establish a full trail linking facilitators, receivers, and others involved in the network.
Why It Matters
The case highlights ongoing vulnerabilities faced by children in economically disadvantaged families and the existence of a trafficking network spanning multiple districts. Authorities are pursuing a comprehensive review of financial and communications evidence to map the network and identify individual roles, aiming to prevent further abuses and ensure accountability.
Background
A case was registered on August 17 following a complaint from the Namsai unit of the Child Welfare Committee, triggering an investigation by a Special Investigation Team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Kengo Dirchi. The inquiry is focused on alleged trafficking for domestic work or hospitality placements.
Key Facts
- Number of children rescued: 19
- Number of arrested women: 3
- Locations connected to the case: Mechukha (Shi-Yomi), Aalo (West Siang), Pasighat (East Siang), Longding, Itanagar, Naharlagun
- Estimated payment per child to traffickers: ₹10,000 to ₹50,000
- Case registration date: August 17
- SIT lead: Deputy Superintendent of Police Kengo Dirchi
- Arrested individuals: Gumnya Kochung, Marta Ete, Neha Gerory
- Children subjected to medical examinations and protective procedures; statements to be recorded before magistrates
- Ongoing investigations include financial transactions, call records, and digital evidence
What Happens Next
The SIT will continue examining financial ties, communications data, and the movement of the children to map the full network and confirm individual roles. Further legal action will follow as magistrate-recorded statements are completed and child-protection procedures advance.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
