NIA files chargesheet against 10 for trafficking Bangladeshi minor girls to Odisha

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against ten persons accused of trafficking minor girls from Bangladesh to Odisha, official sources said on Tuesday.

Also Read: Bangladeshi minor girl trafficking: Key suspect arrested in Odisha

The chargesheet has been submitted to the special POCSO court in Bhubaneswar under the relevant laws protecting children.

According to the sources, the accused had lured girls from Bangladesh to India under the promise of employment. Upon arrival, the victims were reportedly forced into sex rackets and exploited for illegal purposes.

One of the minor girls was previously rescued by police in Cuttack, and an initial case was registered at Madhupatana Police Station before being handed over to the NIA for detailed investigation.

During the NIA probe, two suspects were arrested from West Bengal and were brought to Bhubaneswar for further questioning.

The investigation had revealed that traffickers had been illegally bringing minor girls and young women via neighbouring West Bengal and Assam into India. Once in India, the victims were transported to various cities and coerced into sexual exploitation.

Authorities have emphasised that the traffickers exploited the girls’ vulnerable backgrounds, often targeting those from poor families to profit from illegal activities.

The NIA continues to investigate the network and plans further arrests.

“Initially, Odisha Police had filed two chargesheets in the POSCO court against six accused persons in the case. NIA, after taking over the investigation, conducted searches at multiple locations in West Bengal and arrested two more accused,” an NIA press release said.

“Examination of their social media accounts and their financial transactions led NIA to the arrest of another two of their associates. The agency accordingly has filed a chargesheet against all the 10 accused under various Sections of BNS 2023, the POCSO Act, 2012 and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956,” the press release mentioned.