Siliguri, Oct. 12 -- A suspected human trafficker was arrested at Panitanki border along the India-Nepal international border on Sunday while allegedly attempting to take a minor girl across the border.
The accused, identified as Mahesh Bhuralal Tanna, is a Bhutanese national. According to sources, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel noticed inconsistencies while questioning the minor accompanying him. After questioning, the SSB personnel got to know that he was planning to take the girl to Nepal. They subsequently detained the accused and handed him over to Kharibari police.
During interrogation, police discovered the involvement of another minor girl, who was subsequently rescued from Siliguri in a joint operation involving the SSB, police and a non-governmental organisation (NGO). According to SSB sources, the accused allegedly planned to traffic the two minor girls from Mizoram to Nepal by luring them with promises of employment.
Police have registered a case against the accused under multiple sections in connection with the alleged human trafficking. He was produced before Siliguri Sub-Divisional Court on Monday. Further investigation is underway.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.