Tripura Faces Growing Risk of Human Trafficking Along Border

Agartala, Jul 01, 2024, By Our Correspondent

Agartala: July 01: Tripura, with its border shared on three sides with Bangladesh, is increasingly becoming a conduit for human trafficking. Recent incidents highlight the vulnerability caused by inadequate performance of central forces in the region. Bangladeshi nationals are surreptitiously entering the state, facilitated by broker rings operating from across the border. Once inside Tripura, these individuals use similar networks to reach various parts of the country.

In a recent development, 11 Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended in Tripura, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a trafficking corridor. The Agartala Government Railway Police (GRP) station detained these individuals at Agartala railway station. Among the detainees were several children who had entered the state illegally, intending to travel to different states within India by rail. The arrested individuals were subsequently presented in court.

This incident follows a similar case in June when 39 Bangladeshi nationals, including five children, were arrested and brought before the court. Additionally, five individuals involved in human trafficking were apprehended during that operation.

The arrested traffickers are currently in custody, undergoing repeated interrogation. Authorities are diligently verifying the information obtained from them. Notably, several women were among those arrested at Agartala railway station. Sources indicate that Bangladeshi women are lured into the state by broker rings promising lucrative salaries. Once here, they are coerced into prostitution and transported to different parts of the country.

The law enforcement administration is closely monitoring the situation, striving to combat human trafficking. However, the effectiveness of their efforts remains to be seen, particularly in preventing illegal entry of Bangladeshi nationals.