Patna, May 12 (IANS) In a significant anti-trafficking operation, the police and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in Gopalganj rescued more than 44 minor girls from exploitation linked to illegal orchestra groups operating across the district.​

The coordinated raids were carried out under the supervision of district SP Vinay Tiwari.​

A special task force, formed on his directive, conducted simultaneous operations on nearly 15 orchestra groups functioning in different police station areas.​

Police have arrested 21 accused individuals in connection with the case.​

According to an official, these suspects were allegedly running organised rackets where minor girls were subjected to physical and mental exploitation under the guise of entertainment groups.​

Cases have been registered under stringent laws, including the POCSO Act and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.​

The rescue mission was a joint effort involving the Kuchaikote Police, the Association for Voluntary Action (AVA), Narayani Seva Sansthan, and the Bihar Police Headquarters.​

These organisations are associated with Just Rights for Children, a national network working to combat child exploitation.​

Authorities revealed that the groups had been under surveillance for nearly a month.​

The raids were strategically conducted on a day when no weddings were scheduled, ensuring that all trafficked girls were present at their locations before being moved elsewhere.​

Most of the rescued girls, aged between 10 and 17 years, were trafficked from states like West Bengal, Assam, and other bordering regions.​

They were reportedly brought during the wedding season and forced to perform obscene dances at marriage events.​

During counselling sessions, several victims disclosed disturbing details as some were allegedly sold by acquaintances or romantic partners, others were lured with promises of film opportunities and better livelihoods, and many were then trapped in cycles of abuse and exploitation.​

An official termed the case a clear example of organised trafficking and stressed the urgent need for stronger inter-state coordination to dismantle such networks.

At present, all rescued girls have undergone medical examinations and are being produced before the Child Welfare Committee.​

Authorities are also working to trace and reconnect them with their families.

–IANS

ajk/dan

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