Arunachal Police dismantle interstate child sex racket, rescue two minors, 28 arrested

Arunachal Pradesh capital police have successfully dismantled an interstate child sex trafficking ring that targeted young girls from the region, resulting in the rescue of two minors and the arrest of 28 individuals across Arunachal Pradesh and Delhi.

According to Capital IPS SP Rohit Rajbir Singh, the operation unfolded following a distress call received on June 10 by the Itanagar Women Police Station, reporting the disappearance of two minor girls from Arunachal Pradesh. The victims, referred to as Miss A (15) and Miss B (16) (to protect their identities), were found in a residence in Chimpu, prompting immediate action under Section 363 of the Indian Penal Code.

Miss A, a resident of East Kameng district, had been lured to Delhi in September 2023 by Api Brey, who coerced her into prostitution after subjecting her to physical and sexual abuse. Miss B, belonging to the Puroik community from Kurung Kumey, narrowly escaped a similar fate as she was being trafficked to Delhi when law enforcement intervened.

A specialized police team launched a 15-day operation, resulting in multiple arrests. Pungming Bagang alias Mimi Bagang (24) was apprehended in Itanagar for facilitating trafficking, while Api Brey alias Roshni Brey (31) was arrested in Delhi for her role in trafficking Miss A. In Munirka, New Delhi, Jeet Bahadur Khatri alias Jeet Sonar (59), believed to be the ringleader, was taken into custody. Sushil Kumar alias Ballu (42), who assaulted Miss A, was also arrested in Delhi.

Additionally, Raghunath Menon (51), a practicing advocate, was arrested for multiple sexual assaults against Miss A, highlighting the involvement of individuals in positions of trust.

SP Rohit Rajbir Singh praised the efforts of his team amid the challenges of tracing perpetrators across long distances and emphasized the importance of public awareness and proactive measures to protect children, particularly girls, from exploitation.

The police have filed a comprehensive case under sections 376(2)(j), 366A, 370, 370A, 120-B, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant sections of the POCSO Act and Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act. The investigation is ongoing, with SP Singh reaffirming the commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and holding all perpetrators accountable.