National: 56 Women Saved from Trafficking on Bihar-Bound Train
Daring Rescue at New Jalpaiguri
A meticulously executed operation by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) thwarted a human trafficking attempt, rescuing 56 women from the New Jalpaiguri-Patna Capital Express on July 21, 2025. The women, aged 18 to 31, were intercepted during a routine train inspection in Siliguri, West Bengal.
Deceptive Job Promises
Lured with false assurances of employment in Bengaluru’s mobile industry, the women were instead being transported to Bihar. The absence of valid tickets and stamped coach and berth numbers on their hands raised immediate suspicions among authorities.
Suspects Apprehended
Two individuals, Jitendra Kumar Paswan and Chandrika Kar, were arrested for orchestrating the scheme. Their inconsistent statements and failure to produce legitimate job offer documents confirmed their involvement in the trafficking racket.
Vulnerable Communities Targeted
The rescued women hailed from economically disadvantaged regions of Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar districts, primarily tea garden areas. These communities, plagued by poverty, are frequent targets of trafficking networks exploiting promises of better livelihoods.
Intensive Investigation Underway
The GRP and RPF are probing the incident as part of a larger trafficking syndicate operating through the North Bengal corridor. Authorities suspect connections to broader networks, with ongoing efforts to identify additional accomplices.
Safe Return to Families
All 56 women have been safely reunited with their families following counseling and verification processes. The operation underscores the critical role of vigilant law enforcement in combating human trafficking.
Systemic Challenges Highlighted
The incident exposes the persistent vulnerability of marginalized groups to exploitation through fraudulent job offers. Activists are calling for enhanced public awareness and stricter enforcement to dismantle trafficking networks.
Broader Implications
This rescue highlights the need for systemic reforms, including rural employment initiatives and robust legal frameworks to protect at-risk populations. The low conviction rate in trafficking cases remains a pressing concern for authorities.