Hapur: In a significant breakthrough against child trafficking, the Uttar Pradesh Police have rescued a missing teenager and dismantled an alleged child trafficking network operating in Hapur district. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, officials said on Monday.
According to the police, the operation was carried out during an investigation launched to trace a minor who had gone missing a few days earlier. As the inquiry progressed, investigators uncovered evidence pointing to the existence of an organised child trafficking gang that was allegedly targeting vulnerable children across different areas.
Speaking to ANI, DSP Varun Mishra stated that the police were initially searching for a missing boy aged around 14 to 15 years. During the investigation, officers gathered information suggesting that the disappearance was linked to a broader child trafficking racket. Acting on intelligence inputs, the police conducted a series of operations that ultimately led to the arrest of four suspects.
“A 14-15-year-old boy had gone missing a few days ago and was being searched for. The investigation revealed that a gang involved in child trafficking is active, and the incident was carried out by them. Four accused have been arrested. A 17-year-old child was rescued from their possession. These people would try to find children of all kinds. All four are residents of different districts,” DSP Mishra said.
The rescued teenager has been brought to safety, while authorities continue to investigate the gang’s activities and possible links to other missing children cases. Officials are also working to determine the full extent of the network and identify any additional individuals involved in the operation.
The development comes amid heightened efforts by Uttar Pradesh Police to crack down on crimes involving children. In a separate incident last week, police in Bareilly rescued a one-and-a-half-year-old child who had allegedly been kidnapped. Two accused, identified as Yogesh and Pawan, were injured during a police encounter after they allegedly attempted to flee and opened fire on officers. The child was safely recovered and reunited with the family.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to combating child trafficking and ensuring swift action against those involved in crimes targeting minors. Further investigation into the Hapur case is currently underway.
