Kolkata: A coordinated operation by the state police forces of West Bengal and Odisha and the Border Security Force (BSF) led to the rescue of a minor girl from Fulbari in north Bengal on March 14. The girl was reunited with her family on Monday.
“The Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) at Fulbari, under the North Bengal Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) received information about the missing minor on March 5. A complaint was lodged at the New Jalpaiguri police station. Investigations revealed that one Shakti Prasad Panda was involved in the crime,” a senior BSF official said.
The West Bengal Police tracked Panda’s phone and his location was traced to Balasore in Odisha. The Balasore Sadar police station was informed and Panda was apprehended. Authorities took the help of NGOs like Shakti Vahini and Handicapped Welfare Institute and the girl was found at Tirtol in the Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha pon March 14.
“She was brought back to West Bengal and placed in a shelter home. After a medical check-up, legal proceedings and submission of a social investigation report, she was reunited with her family on April 7. The operation highlights the effective coordination between law enforcement agencies and NGOs in combating human trafficking and ensuring child safety,” the official said.
