Three girls rescued from suspicious situation in Siliguri; now safe in Gangtok shelter
Upon reaching Gangtok, the girls were admitted to the “One Stop Centre” at Lumsey, Tadong.
LOCAL
Three young girls, aged 17, 18, and 19 were found wandering in a strange and worrying way in Pradhan Nagar area of Siliguri on June 4. Local people noticed their unusual behavior and felt something was wrong. Concerned for their safety, they quickly contacted a nearby NGO that works to protect children and women.
The NGO reached the girls and made sure they were safe. At first, it was clear that these girls were not from Siliguri. The NGO suspected that they had come from another place, but they did not know how or why. The matter was then reported to the Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) based in Gangtok for further help.
The AHTU, working together with the Soreng police, began efforts to find out who the girls were. Using the clues they had, the team carefully checked and confirmed that the girls originally came from different parts of Sikkim.
A rescue team led by senior police officers, including the Deputy Inspector General of Police from AHTU, along with other officials, immediately traveled to Siliguri. They worked closely with the NGO to bring the girls under protection and safely took them back to Gangtok.
Upon reaching Gangtok, the girls were admitted to the “One Stop Centre” at Lumsey, Tadong. This shelter home provides medical care, mental health counseling, and a safe place to stay. The Child Welfare Committee has been informed and is helping with legal and protective steps to make sure the girls are cared for properly and supported to return to normal life.
The AHTU has thanked the local people of Pradhan Nagar, the NGO, the Deputy General Manager of SNT Siliguri, and all officials who helped with quick action and support during the rescue.
The investigation is still ongoing. The police are trying to find out how the girls came to Siliguri and whether there was any human trafficking or exploitation involved.
Anyone with information or questions can contact Mrs. Renuka Chettri, Deputy Superintendent of Police at AHTU, Gangtok, at 95931-10008.