Namsai Police have rescued 19 children from Mechuka, Aalo, Pasighat, Naharlagun, Itanagar and Longding and arrested three alleged facilitators in a suspected child trafficking and exploitation network.
Notably, a case was registered on August 17 following a complaint by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Namsai.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Deputy SP Kengo Dirchi, was formed under Namsai SP Sangey Thinley to investigate the inter-district case.
Police subsequently arrested Gumnya Kochung, Marta Ete and Neha Gerory for their alleged roles as facilitators or brokers.
Preliminary investigation suggests economically vulnerable families were approached with promises of better education and care, after which children were allegedly transported and placed with others. Suspected payments of Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 per child have also emerged.
Some recovered children were allegedly employed as domestic helpers or in hotels. Most are reportedly below eight years old, with the youngest around three.
The children underwent medical examinations and child-protection procedures before being produced before the CWC.
Their statements are being recorded before a Magistrate through a child-friendly process. Police are examining financial transactions, call records and digital evidence and are continuing efforts to trace other children and identify additional suspects.
