- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:29 AM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Ranchi Police have uncovered a major organised human trafficking network involved in child abduction and exploitation, arresting 15 accused in connection with a child trafficking case. The breakthrough came during the investigation into the kidnapping of two children, Ansh and Anshika.
According to police officials, accused Nav Kherwar and Soni Kumari were taken into police remand for intensive interrogation, during which they revealed the involvement of an organised gang that systematically kidnapped young children and concealed them across different locations in Jharkhand. The gang was also active in neighbouring states, including Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha.
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During questioning, the accused confessed that abducted children were forced into begging, sold, and pushed into prostitution and other illegal activities. Acting on these disclosures, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted swift raids at multiple locations, leading to the arrest of 15 individuals and the rescue of several children.
Children were recovered from Silli in Ranchi district, Kothar in Ramgarh district, and Bariyatu in Latehar district. Police verification has so far confirmed the abduction of 12 children, five from Silli, three from Kothar and four from Bariyatu. Verification of additional victims is still underway.
Further interrogation revealed that two children were abducted from Khadgarha Bus Stand in Ranchi around two years ago, one girl from Sambalpur Railway Station three years ago, five girls from Bariyatu (Latehar) about three years ago, two girls from Dhanbad, one from Lohardaga and one girl from Jagarnathpur in Ranchi a year ago. Police also found that some of the trafficked children were sold in the Aurangabad district of Bihar and in West Bengal.
Authorities stated that the involvement of more accused cannot be ruled out, and further recoveries are likely. Continuous raids are being conducted under the supervision of senior police officials.
In connection with the Dhurwa Police Station Case No. 01/26, Nav Kherwar and Soni Kumari remain in police remand. A white Maruti Suzuki car bearing registration number JH24L-8382 and other incriminating materials were recovered from the accused Virodhi Kherwar.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police (Rural), Ranchi; Superintendent of Police (City), Ranchi; Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Ranchi, along with the SIT and other police personnel.
Jharkhand Police have appealed to the public to immediately report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or the police control room to help curb organised crimes such as human trafficking.