Bihar Human Trafficking Network: Poor and Dalit Girls Targeted by Organised Three-Tier Syndicate
Missing children cases continue to rise in Bihar, with adolescent girls accounting for a majority of victims; investigations reveal a structured trafficking network stretching from villages to major Indian cities. Patna: A highly organised three-tier human trafficking network is allegedly targeting teenage girls from poor and Dalit families in Bihar’s rural and backward regions, according to recent investigations and rescue operations conducted by police and social organisations. The network operates through a structured system that lures girls from villages through false promises of jobs, marriage, friendship or a better life before transporting them to major cities across the country. Many victims are subsequently forced into domestic work, bonded labour or marriages against their will. The revelations come amid growing concern over rising missing children cases in Bihar, which has increasingly been identified as a major source state for human trafficking. Thousands of Children Reported Missing Official data indicate that between 12,000 and 14,000 children go missing in Bihar every year. In 2025 alone, the number reached 14,699. Adolescent girls remain the most vulnerable group. Nearly 60 per cent of all missing children in the state are girls below the age of 18. The situation was particularly alarming in 2023 when 12,299 children were reported missing. Of them, around 75 per cent were girls, meaning three out of every four missing children were female. Rescue Operations Continue Police and social organisations have rescued thousands of girls over the past two years. During 2024-25, authorities rescued 1,970 girls, while another 1,492 girls were rescued during 2025-26. These operations have helped investigators understand the structure and functioning of trafficking syndicates operating across Bihar and other states. How the Three-Tier Network Operates According to investigators, the trafficking system functions through three interconnected levels. Local Agents Identify Targets At the first level, local youths act as agents and identify vulnerable girls in villages. Victims are often approached through friendship, romantic relationships, marriage proposals or promises of employment. Agents reportedly work under pressure to recruit girls within a short period. Once trust is established, the girls are persuaded to leave their homes and villages. Transit Networks Move Victims After leaving their villages, victims are handed over to transportation networks. Transfers frequently take place at railway stations and bus terminals. In some cases, victims are allegedly drugged or threatened to ensure compliance. They are then transported to distant cities through long-distance trains and other means of transport. Final Buyers Exploit Victims The final stage operates primarily in metropolitan cities. Victims are reportedly kept at undisclosed locations, subjected to physical and psychological abuse, and stripped of their identities. Many are allegedly sold into forced marriages or made to work as bonded labourers. Rescue Cases Reveal Pattern Several recent rescue operations have highlighted similar trafficking methods. A 19-year-old woman from Sahibganj was allegedly taken to Hyderabad after leaving home to update her Aadhaar card. Investigators said she was lured with the promise of employment before being rescued by police. In another case, a 15-year-old student from Rohtas district was allegedly deceived by a friend and transported to Secunderabad after being drugged. She was later rescued from a railway station. An 18-year-old girl from East Champaran was reportedly forced into bonded labour in Secunderabad after being lured through a mobile contact provided by a friend. Police rescued her before an alleged forced marriage could take place. In Gopalganj, a 22-year-old woman who had left home to purchase medicines was allegedly taken to Kolkata under the pretext of marriage and employment. She was recovered after 15 days. A separate rescue operation led police to Hyderabad, where a 21-year-old woman from Siwan was rescued after allegedly being trafficked through the same network. Hyderabad-Secunderabad Emerging as Key Destinations Raju Ojha, Chairman of Bihar Samaj Seva Sangh, said more than six girls had been rescued from Hyderabad and Secunderabad over the past six months with the assistance of police. According to him, most victims were lured with promises of permanent jobs or marriage. They were initially forced to work for long hours before being prepared for sale into forced marriages. Police Intensify Monitoring Suhita Anupam, Additional Director General of Police (Weak Sections Crime Investigation Department), said trafficking hotspots across Bihar are being identified and placed under special surveillance. She said registration has been made mandatory for orchestra groups and similar institutions as part of preventive measures. The ADG also said villages witnessing repeated trafficking incidents are being mapped and monitored. Police are working with non-governmental organisations to raise awareness and prevent recruitment by traffickers. Anupam added that an online monitoring mechanism has been established at the police headquarters level to track trafficking cases more effectively. She emphasised that public awareness and community vigilance remain critical in preventing human trafficking and protecting vulnerable girls from exploitation. Courtesy : Patna Press Note: This news is originally published on https:/patnapress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
MP Kavya bats for SC status for Dalit Christians
Warangal Member of Parliament Dr.KadiyamKavya on Wednesday urged the Centre to grant Scheduled Caste (SC) status to Dalit Christians and sought the deletion of Paragraph 3 of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, during a meeting with Justice K. G. Balakrishnan in New Delhi. Submitting a detailed memorandum to the Commission, Kavya argued that Dalit Christians continue to face social, educational and economic discrimination despite religious conversion. She maintained that conversion to Christianity does not eliminate caste-based disadvantages and that denying SC status solely on religious grounds runs contrary to the constitutional principles of equality and social justice. The MP called for extending Scheduled Caste recognition to Dalit Christians, citing Articles 14, 15, 16 and 46 of the Constitution, which promote equality, non-discrimination and the welfare of weaker sections. She also pointed out that similar recognition had been extended to Sikh and Buddhist communities in the past and said the same principle should apply to Dalit Christians. Referring to the recommendations of the Justice RanganathMisra Commission and other expert committees, Kavya urged the Commission to recommend the removal of Paragraph 3 and advise the Central Government to confer SC status on Dalit Christians. She noted that nearly three lakh Christians of Scheduled Caste origin reside in Telangana, particularly in the Warangal Parliamentary Constituency, and said granting SC status would improve their access to education, employment opportunities, welfare schemes and constitutional safeguards. Kavya appealed for a favourable recommendation to uphold the constitutional values of equality, secularism and social justice. Courtesy : THI Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehansindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Bengaluru Traffic Advisory Today: Dalit Protest In Freedom Park Till 6pm; Check Alternate Routes
Day-long protest at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park is set to reshape traffic across the city centre. Road closures, diversions and parking curbs could test commuters throughout Thursday Bengaluru traffic police have announced a series of temporary restrictions and diversions across the Central Business District (CBD) on Thursday in view of a protest organised by the Karnataka Dalitha Sanghatana Samithi at Freedom Park. According to a Deccan Herald report, the demonstration is scheduled from 8 am to 6 pm. Motorists travelling from Mysore Bank Circle towards Freedom Park via KG Road have been advised to avoid the usual route. Instead, they should take a right turn and proceed via Maharani Underpass Road and Palace Cross Road. The stretch between Freedom Park Junction and Kanakadasa Circle will remain closed to vehicular traffic in both directions during the protest, with no movement of vehicles permitted along the route. Traffic police have also issued an advisory for vehicles moving from Khode Junction towards KR Circle. As protest participants are expected to march on foot from the City Railway Station via the flyover road to Freedom Park, motorists have been asked to use Old JD(S) Office Road to avoid congestion. In a temporary measure to ease traffic flow, the road connecting Subbanna Junction and MTR Junction, which normally operates as a one-way stretch, has been converted into a two-way route. Commuters travelling towards Gandhinagar can use this corridor as an alternative. Parking Restrictions In Force Parking of all types of vehicles has been prohibited along several key stretches in the city during the protest. The restrictions cover the route from Khode Junction to Maharani Junction, as well as V Ramachandra Road, Kalidasa Road, Palace Road and KG Road. The traffic police have urged commuters to plan their journeys in advance and use the designated diversions to minimise delays during the day-long protest. Published By : Parishmita Saikia Courtesy : News18 Note: This news is originally published on https:/news18.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Ex-AIADMK minister and Dalit leader joins DMK
Benjamin is also known for organising the AIADMK general council meeting at Srivari Mahal in 2022, during which ex-CM O Panneerselvam was expelled from the party. CHENNAI: Former AIADMK minister P Benjamin joined the DMK in the presence of party president MK Stalin at Anna Arivalayam on Wednesday. Considered one of the prominent Dalit faces in the AIADMK after former Speaker P Dhanapal, Benjamin’s move comes amid a series of political realignments in the state. Though there had been speculation that he might join the TVK, following some of his former AIADMK colleagues, he ultimately chose the DMK. Benjamin was inducted into the cabinet of late chief minister J Jayalalithaa as school education minister in May 2016. Benjamin is also known for organising the AIADMK general council meeting at Srivari Mahal in 2022, during which ex-CM O Panneerselvam was expelled from the party. “A few of the ex-AIADMK ministers in the western region and in the delta are likely to join DMK soon,” sources said. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Free bus travel in Kerala: ‘Priyadarshini Scheme’ to begin on June 15, women and transgender individuals to benefit
The Kerala government has decided to implement the ‘Priyadarshini Scheme’, under which women and transgender individuals will travel free on KSRTC ordinary buses. The government will compensate for the revenue loss. Read the full story The Kerala government on Wednesday approved the ‘Priyadarshini Scheme’, which will provide free travel to women on KSRTC ordinary buses from June 15. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan made the announcement after the weekly cabinet meeting. He said there will be no eligibility criteria for the scheme, and there will be no age or income restrictions. Who will compensate? The government has decided to fully compensate KSRTC for the revenue loss caused by this initiative. It is estimated that this scheme will cost the state treasury approximately ₹800 crore annually, which will be transferred to KSRTC as compensation. “Currently, the state government will provide approximately ₹1,500 crore annually as financial assistance to the KSRTC,” Satheesan told the media shortly after the weekly cabinet meeting. “The additional burden arising from the free travel scheme will now be added to this assistance.” Review after six months The scheme will initially apply only to general service buses. The government plans to review it after six months. The KSRTC has been asked to increase revenue and strengthen its financial position during this period. Transgender persons will also benefit from the scheme, broadening its scope. This announcement is part of the government’s efforts to increase access to public transport and ensure mobility for women. The scheme is expected to become one of the new government’s major welfare initiatives, but its financial impact on the KSRTC and the state budget is likely to remain a major topic of discussion in the coming months. Responding to the discussion at a CPI-M party meeting, which analyzed the CPI-M’s crushing electoral defeat and suggested that a secret pact had been reached between the Congress and the BJP, which benefited both parties, Satishan said, “Was this the main point of discussion at their various party meetings? But from what we have read, the focus of the discussions at their meetings was that the main reason for their defeat was their leadership and their style of governance.” He also stated that no decision has yet been taken on the future course of action regarding the controversial PM-Shri project and the proposed high-speed rail project, which was discussed with Metroman. Published by: Asmita Tripathi Courtesy: Hindi News
The minor daughter of a widowed mother was kidnapped and gang-raped, even a transgender woman sleeping alone was not spared; Two rape incidents in 24 hours shook Gopalganj, Bihar.
A case of gang rape of a minor girl who had left her home for the market has come to light in Gopalganj, Bihar. According to reports, two accused abducted the girl, gang-raped her, and then dumped her on the roadside before fleeing. The minor daughter of a widowed mother was kidnapped and gang-raped, even a transgender woman sleeping alone was not spared; Two rape incidents in 24 hours shook Gopalganj, Bihar. A case of gang rape of a minor girl who had left her home for the market has come to light in Gopalganj, Bihar. According to reports, two accused abducted the girl, gang-raped her, and then dumped her on the roadside before fleeing. Upon receiving information about the incident, local police immediately swung into action and arrived at the scene with their forces. The police wasted no time in admitting the gang rape victim, who was in extremely critical condition, to Gopalganj Sadar Hospital for treatment. She is receiving intensive treatment under the supervision of a special team of doctors. Following this horrific incident, the victim’s helpless and widowed mother mustered courage and filed a written complaint at the local police station. Based on the victim’s statement, the police have registered an FIR against the accused under relevant sections. The weeping mother pleaded with the police administration for justice and demanded the strictest punishment for the culprits. Gang-raped in a field, beaten, and dumped unconscious on the roadside The accused raped the girl in a deserted field. They then assaulted her and left her unconscious before fleeing. When she did not return home for a long time, her family began searching for her. They found her unconscious in the field. The victim’s condition is reported to be critical. The police have stated that all the accused will be arrested soon and action will be taken under the law. Advertisement A deaf and mute transgender woman was also raped. Another rape incident was reported in Gopalganj within just 24 hours. Late on Monday night, a transgender woman was sleeping in her cattle shed in the Vijaypur police station area. A young man approached her and forcibly raped her. Following the incident, the victim filed a complaint at the police station. Acting swiftly, the police arrested the accused, Vinod Ram, and are interrogating him. The victim has been sent to Sadar Hospital for a medical examination. Ankur Shrivastava Courtesy: Hindi News
HIV cases among gays in Karnataka rise from 166 to 412
The highest number of registered individuals was in the 26-35 age group, followed by those aged 18-25 years. BENGALURU: The number of HIV-positive cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Karnataka has increased from 166 in 2023-24 to 412 in 2025-26, according to data from the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS). The figures show a steady rise over the three years, with cases increasing to 362 in 2024-25 before reaching 412 in 2025-26. Data from KSAPS also shows that the number of MSM individuals registered under targeted Intervention Programmes (IP) increased from 44,581 in 2023-24 to 62,664 in 2024-25 and 66,606 in 2025-26. The highest number of registered individuals was in the 26-35 age group, followed by those aged 18-25 years. An IP for MSM refers to targeted public health initiatives aimed at preventing the spread of HIV and other STIs. “Among the MSM population, lack of awareness and misinformation about HIV and sexual health continue to be major concerns. Many individuals engage in sexual activity without knowing safe sex practices and the importance of regular HIV testing. With the increasing use of dating applications, people are able to connect easily. There is a need for sustained education and outreach to ensure that individuals have access to accurate information and preventive services,” said Padma Basavanthappa, Project Director, KSAPS. She added that the state records around 12,000 to 13,000 HIV-positive cases annually across all categories, including MSM. NGOs working with key populations, including MSM, transgender people, female sex workers, migrants and truckers, play a crucial role in HIV prevention efforts. “The NGOs are given a target of increasing their numbers by 25% each year,” Basavanthappa said. “The individuals are given condoms, they are guided on how to have safe sex, their health check-ups are done, and they are linked to social security schemes,” she stressed. Manohar Elavarthi, State Committee Member of the Movement for Gender and Sexual Pluralism, said HIV awareness initiatives need to adapt to changing patterns of communication among young people. “Instead of blaming youths, the government must find effective ways to reach them on the digital platforms that they use every day,” he said. Hanumantha Rayappa, deputy director of Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTC), said many people with HIV remain unaware of their infection due to the absence of early symptoms. He encouraged the use of the Break Free App and free HIV testing at ICTCs in Karnataka, with free Antiretroviral Therapy services at government hospitals. Gayathri M Kurup Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi pays last respects to Suraj Hegde in Bengaluru
Suraj, the grandson of former Karnataka Chief Minister D Devaraj Urs, had worked closely with Rahul as the AICC secretary in charge of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. BENGALURU: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi arrived in Bengaluru on Tuesday morning and paid his last respects to AICC secretary Suraj Hegde, 55, who died of cardiac arrest late on Sunday night. Accompanied by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and former Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah, Rahul visited Suraj’s residence on BEL Road near M S Ramaiah Hospital, where the mortal remains were kept. He consoled the grieving family members, including Suraj’s wife Shilpa and their two sons. AICC general secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala were also present. The cremation will be held on Tuesday afternoon at the Hebbal Crematorium. Suraj, the grandson of former Karnataka Chief Minister D Devaraj Urs, had worked closely with Rahul as the AICC secretary in charge of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. He was also the vice chairman of the Karnataka State Guarantees Implementation Committee. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit youths dragged and paraded half-naked in a field in Punjab on charges of phone theft
In an alleged video circulating on social media, some people can be seen dragging the two youths by their feet through a field. On Saturday, a mob attacked two Dalit youths in Jharod village, Punjab, stripping them half-naked and dragging them through a field with their hands tied. The mob accused them of snatching a mobile phone. According to police, the two youths were allegedly drug addicts and had tried to snatch a mobile phone from a migrant laborer. Villagers caught them, tied them up, and beat them. In an alleged video circulating on social media, some people can be seen dragging the two youths by their feet. The mother of one of the accused said she did not know what her son had done, but he was brutally beaten. He said that if his son had committed a crime, he should have been handed over to the police. Malout Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jaspal Singh said that police arrived at the scene after learning about the incident through a video. Police stated that a case had previously been registered against one of the two men in a case involving 200 narcotic pills. According to officials, both have undergone medical examinations, which revealed blunt force injuries. Police stated that appropriate action will be taken based on the medical report and the victims’ statements. Police also stated that a case has been registered against both men for snatching a mobile phone. The Punjab State Scheduled Caste Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and has sought a report from the Muktsar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) by June 9. It is worth noting that a week ago, a man was arrested in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly tying a Dalit girl to a tree and beating her. According to police, the incident occurred in a village in Deoria district, where the accused allegedly caught the girl stealing from his shop. According to a report in Deccan Herald, police took action after a purported video of the incident went viral on social media. It was reported that the incident occurred in Mishrauli village, under the Tarkulwa police station area. According to police, the accused, Harikesh Gupta, who runs a grocery store, caught a 14-year-old girl on suspicion of theft. The girl’s family and villagers alleged that Gupta first dragged her by her hair throughout the village and later tied her to a neem tree outside his house and beat her. A video of the incident was recorded by a bystander, which was later shared on social media. Police stated that they received information about the incident through the emergency helpline 112 on May 31st. Upon receiving the information, police arrived at the scene and rescued the girl safely. According to the police, the victim belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and he has been arrested. Circle Officer Sunil Kumar Reddy said that the police took cognizance of the matter after receiving information that a shopkeeper was forcibly interrogating a girl on suspicion of theft. He said, “The accused has been taken into custody.” Courtesy: Hindi News
Rajya Sabha Elections: Hemant surprises by giving ticket to a Dalit outside the Soren family, Baijnath becomes candidate
Political twist: Congress’s Pranav Jha, BJP’s Gaurav Vallabh, JMM’s Baijnath Ram, and independents Nathwani and Sai Reddy have filed nomination papers, but the BJP remains silent. The Rajya Sabha elections for two seats in Jharkhand have heated up the political atmosphere in the state. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) surprised everyone by not fielding anyone from the Soren family for the seat vacated by Guruji. The JMM, which had staked claim to both seats until Friday, announced former minister and central vice-president Baijnath Ram as its candidate on Saturday. However, the party has not yet given a concrete answer to the question of fielding a candidate for the second seat. Meanwhile, BJP’s chief whip in the Assembly, Naveen Jaiswal, claimed on Friday night that the party’s candidate would be announced on Saturday morning. Gaurav Vallabh has also purchased his nomination as a BJP candidate, but the party did not officially announce his name until late Saturday evening. Congress candidate Pranav Jha and JMM candidate Baijnath Ram have also purchased their nomination papers. JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said that Baijnath Ram will file his nomination papers on Monday, and Chief Minister Hemant Soren will be present. Parimal Nathwani met the Chief Minister, will contest as an independent Parimal Nathwani arrived in Ranchi at 8 pm on Saturday. He went directly from the airport to Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s residence on Kanke Road, where the two leaders met for about half an hour. After the meeting, Nathwani stated that it was merely a courtesy call and no discussion took place regarding the Rajya Sabha elections. He clarified that he will contest this election from Jharkhand as an independent. His nomination papers have been purchased and he will file his nomination papers on Monday. The ‘Behind the Scenes’ Game in the Rajya Sabha Elections Who will be the proposer? The ‘Mystery’ of 10 MLAs and the Entry of 2 Heavyweights The entry of heavyweight independents like Parimal Nathwani and Vijay Sai Reddy into the Rajya Sabha fray has made the election extremely interesting. According to the rules, a minimum of 10 MLAs are required for nominations. Inside Story: It is nearly impossible to gather 10 MLAs in the Jharkhand Assembly without the tacit consent or internal sabotage of a major party. Consequently, the biggest question in political circles is: who are the hidden MLAs willing to propose these heavyweights? Will this be a simmering discontent within the ruling and opposition parties, or will it be a new horse-trading game? BJP’s ‘Dark Horse’ Plan: Silence Behind the Chess Gaurav Vallabh has purchased his nomination papers, but the BJP has yet to reveal its cards. This delay in the official announcement is not without reason. Inside Story: The BJP’s silence isn’t a compulsion, but rather a part of Plan B. If the party doesn’t officially field its own candidate, it likely means it has decided to support a strong independent candidate behind the scenes. Instead of losing a direct contest, the independent candidate is intended to dent the Grand Alliance’s vote bank and appease disgruntled MLAs. Bhupesh and Ajay met the CM and said, “All is well.” Congress observers for the Rajya Sabha elections, Bhupesh Baghel and Ajay Sharma, met with Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday afternoon. After a nearly two-hour meeting, both observers stated that everything was fine. The alliance would win both seats in the Rajya Sabha elections. Bhupesh Baghel said that they had a good and frank conversation with the Chief Minister, there were no misunderstandings, and the alliance was strong. Why did the JMM choose Baijnath Ram? Baijnath Ram’s name was included in the list of ministers in the Champai Soren government, and this list had even reached the Raj Bhavan. However, he was stopped just before the swearing-in ceremony, leading to accusations of the party neglecting Dalits. Later, he was promised a suitable position, and that is why he was nominated for the Rajya Sabha seat. Furthermore, the JMM has played the Dalit card after the Congress fielded a Brahmin candidate. Candidate Profiles: At a Glance Parimal Nathwani: Industrialist and current Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh. He served as an independent Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand for two consecutive terms from 2008 to 2020. He lives in Dwarkesanandi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Pranav Jha: National Secretary of the Congress Party and media strategist for the party. He is also close to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. He is originally from Anadipur village in Bhagalpur district and studied in Bokaro. He currently lives in South Avenue, Delhi. Gaurav Vallabh: A prominent BJP leader, economist, and academic. He is currently a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council. He has served as a professor of economics at XLRI, Jamshedpur, and SISS, Ranchi. He is from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Baijnath Ram: A senior leader of the JMM and has served as a minister in the Jharkhand government. He is known as an experienced and dedicated JMM worker. He is seen as a prominent face of the party’s SC community. He originally hails from Dhobi Mohalla in Latehar. Sai Vijay Reddy: Chartered accountant and politician from Andhra Pradesh. He has served as the National General Secretary of the YSR Congress Party and a Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh. He is considered a close associate of YSRCP chief Jaganmohan Reddy and the party’s “Chanakya.” He hails from ISKCON City, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. Courtesy: Hindi News