Guwahati: In a significant breakthrough against human trafficking, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) rescued 56 young women from the New Jalpaiguri–Patna Capital Express at New Jalpaiguri railway station on Tuesday.
In this connection, two suspected traffickers were arrested.
Officials informed that the rescued women, aged between 18 and 31 years, hail from Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar districts of West Bengal. They were allegedly lured with false promises of employment at a company in Bengaluru but were instead being transported to Bihar, raising grave concerns of trafficking.
Alert RPF personnel, during routine checks, grew suspicious after spotting a large group of women travelling together without valid tickets. Coach and berth numbers were found stamped on their hands—a practice commonly linked to illegal trafficking networks. On questioning, the two escorts—a man and a woman—gave contradictory statements and failed to produce any valid documents regarding their travel or the supposed job offers.
Both suspects were immediately detained and handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP). A joint investigation by the GRP and RPF is underway to trace the wider network behind the suspected trafficking racket.
The rescued women were given immediate assistance and have since been safely reunited with their families. From January to 22nd July 2025 alone, the RPF of NFR has apprehended four suspected traffickers and rescued six minor boys and 56 women in separate operations—highlighting its continued commitment to protecting vulnerable passengers and combating human trafficking across the railway network.
The RPF of Northeast Frontier Railway has reiterated its resolve to remain vigilant and ensure the safety and security of passengers, especially women and children, across the zone.
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