Thane CHILDLINE, Maharashtra received a call from Mission Mukti for assistance to rescue a 14 year-old girl confined at a warehouse in Thane district. CHILDLINE shared all the documents received from Mission Mukti with CWC (Child Welfare Committee), DCPU (District Child Protection Unit) and Sr. Police Inspector of the local police station. The same evening, NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) contacted CHILDLINE and confirmed the case of trafficking and sought assistance in the joint rescue operation conducted by the NCPCR and Mission Mukti. The NCPCR also shared the case details with CWC and DWCD (Department of Women and Child Development). CHILDLINE was requested to coordinate with the CWC.

The joint team of CHILDLINE, Mission Mukti and DCPO met the Sr. police Inspector at the police station to draw up a rescue plan. One senior officer and three Women Police Constables were assigned to join the rescue operation team. The team split into two groups and approached the location of the girl. After combing the area, the girl was found near the gate and taken into custody. The trafficker’s father who was also taken into custody summoned his son on to come to the Labour Camp on the phone. All of them were taken to the police station.

The girl's statement was recorded at the police station. She revealed that the trafficker had brought her from West Bengal and married her. The CWC was informed about the girl’s rescue over the phone and as per their directions, she was admitted to the Amche Ghar, Shelter Home for girls. Then, the girl was presented before the CWC and is presently staying at the Shelter Home. The accused has been handed over to the West Bengal Police for further action. The case is still going on.

Child trafficking is one of the worst forms of modern-day slavery and child abuse. Each year, thousands of children are tricked, persuaded or forced to leave their homes and put their lives at risk in the worst and unimaginable ways. The victims are kept in inhuman conditions and forced into heinous and criminal activities.

As a society, we need to come together to end this menace and safeguard the future of our children. Please call CHILDLINE 1098, if you come across a case of child trafficking.