17 Minors Rescued in West Bengal Raid; Four Arrested in Trafficking Operation
Police in West Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district rescued 17 girls from an alleged trafficking operation during a raid conducted on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Four persons were arrested in connection with the case, officials said.
The rescued minors, aged between 11 and 17 years, include 13 from Bihar, three from West Bengal, and one from Assam, according to a senior police officer.
The operation in the Islampur police station area was based on credible intelligence inputs. Police used drones during the raid to ensure coordination and safety. “Our teams acted swiftly and in a coordinated manner to ensure the safe rescue of all the minors,” the officer said.
The rescued girls were produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and later shifted to government-run shelter homes after receiving counselling.
“Those found involved in trafficking and exploitation of minors will not be spared. Efforts are also underway to identify and track the accused who had managed to escape during the operation,” the officer added.
Human trafficking and exploitation of minors are serious crimes under Indian law, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to protect vulnerable children.
