The accused were held from Assam, while the child was rescued from Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh, informs Dimapur Police PRO. (Morung File Photo: Representative Image)
.JPG)
Five arrested; police probing human trafficking angle
Dimapur, August 27 (MExN): A nine-year-old girl who went missing from Rengma Colony, on July 3, 2025, was rescued on August 22 from Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh, after nearly 50 days.
The rescue follows an intensive inter-state investigation by the Women’s Police Station, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime)/PRO, informed that five accused — one female and four males, have been arrested in connection with the case so far.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine whether the accused are connected to a larger human trafficking network. The rescued child is currently under the custody of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
Chain of events
Giving an account to the series of events leading to the rescue and arrests, police stated that upon the lodging of the FIR by the child’s father on July 3, a case was registered at Women’s Police Station, under relevant provisions of law, and an officer was assigned for investigation.
A team of investigating officers made it their top priority to safely recover the child. To support the operation, WT (Wireless Telegraphy) messages were circulated across the North-East, and vital information was gathered through local sources, it said.
Upon learning that two suspects had been arrested at Diphu Police Station, personnel from Women Police Station proceeded there to take custody of the accused for further legal proceedings.
AS per the police, investigations were conducted undercover to prevent the accused from being tipped off and to ensure the child’s safety.
The police identified the two individuals arrested in Diphu as husband and wifeduo of Nitu Nath (31) and Protima Rajbongshi (30). The complainant (father) was reportedly personally acquainted with the couple.
During interrogation, the couple revealed that the child had been abducted at the request of a co-accused and admitted to having “sold” her in Arunachal Pradesh for Rs 80,000.
Based on their statements, police identified two more suspects from Jorhat: Basu Dep Tanti (38) and Subhan Ali (52).
Acting on further leads, police apprehended Milan Da Teta (38) in Biswanath Chariali, Tezpur, who disclosed the child’s location, leading to her safe recovery, the PRO statement added.
According to the victim’s statement, the child was “deceived and forcibly taken away under false assurances.” “The minor was also reportedly physically assaulted by the couple and was instructed to tell others that she belonged to the Adivasi community,” it added.
However, the PRO statement, based on the child’s account, noted that she was treated well during her time in Arunachal Pradesh.
