Aligarh Police Bust Human Trafficking Network, Rescue 3 Girls

A 15-year-old girl's desperate call to Dial 112 from Aligarh's Tappal area led police to an alleged interstate human trafficking network and the rescue of three girls. The girl had managed to unlock the pattern lock on the mobile phone of a woman in the household and used it to contact the police, sharing her location with the emergency response team.

The call on August 7 prompted Khair Circle Officer Abhishek Patel and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit to launch an operation. Police reached the house and rescued the girl. During the subsequent investigation, two more minor girls were traced and rescued.

Police have arrested five people, including alleged gang leader Babita alias Chachi of Prayagraj. The other accused are Sukharam alias Mahavir of Gonda, Vinod Jat of Maur village, and Gonda residents Bablu and Om Pal Singh.

According to police, the gang allegedly targeted economically vulnerable and abandoned girls from Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan by promising them education and a better future. They were allegedly brought to Aligarh and sold for Rs 70,000 to Rs 1 lakh to people who were unable to find marriage partners.

The case came to light after the 15-year-old was allegedly abandoned at Aligarh railway station by a young man with whom she had travelled from Chhattisgarh around four months ago. Her family had registered a case against the man in Chhattisgarh. Police said Babita spotted the girl at the station, offered her food and assured her of help.

She allegedly took the girl into her care and later, through Sukharam alias Mahavir, sold her to Vinod Jat of Maur village. According to police, Vinod forced the girl to marry his son. She was allegedly beaten and harassed at the house.

The girl eventually found an opportunity to use the mobile phone of the family's daughter-in-law, unlocked it, and called Dial 112. The girl's call gave police a precise lead to the house where she was allegedly being held. The police team reached the location and rescued her.

During questioning and further investigation, police found that two other minor girls were allegedly connected with the network. Both were subsequently rescued. Police said Sukharam, who was living in the area under a concealed identity, originally belonged to Deeg in Rajasthan.

Babita and Sukharam have been described by police as key members of the alleged network. Vinod Jat, Bablu, and Om Pal Singh are accused of purchasing minor girls in the name of marriage, police said.

The accused have been sent to jail, and cases have been registered against them under provisions relating to human trafficking, rape of a minor, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

This incident highlights the importance of the Dial 112 emergency response system in helping victims of human trafficking and other crimes. The swift action taken by the police has saved the lives of three minor girls and brought the alleged traffickers to justice.

The rescue operation is a significant achievement for the Aligarh police, and it demonstrates their commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals. The incident also serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and awareness about human trafficking and its devastating consequences.

In conclusion, the Aligarh police have made a significant breakthrough in busting an alleged interstate human trafficking network, rescuing three minor girls, and arresting five accused individuals. The incident highlights the importance of emergency response systems and the need for continued efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals.