Human trafficking at the India-Nepal border

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has intercepted multiple human trafficking attempts along the India-Nepal border in the West Bengal region.

In an initial incident at the New Bridge in Panitanki, Siliguri, authorities intercepted a vehicle attempting to transport a 17-year-old girl toward Nepal. The suspect, a 32-year-old man, was allegedly attempting to sell the minor into the sex trade under the pretense of providing event-related work. The individual was apprehended and the case was referred to the Kharibari police station.

Later, during a routine inspection at the Old Bridge in Panitanki, the SSB rescued six girls from Tripura, including four minors. Two suspects were taken into custody. Investigations suggested a network was arranging for the girls to be supplied to a dance bar in Biratnagar, Nepal. While the rescued individuals were handed over for counseling, authorities are continuing to pursue legal action against the detainees and are seeking the involvement of the Nepalese administration to address suspects located in Nepal.