ITANAGAR, Sep 26: The Namsai District Police has made further progress in the investigation into an alleged child trafficking and placement case, with 51 persons, including four adults, traced or recovered so far and the arrest of a fifth accused.
Police said sustained investigation, field verification and coordinated tracing operations led to the recovery/tracing of 51 persons. In a further development, Ema Loyi of Kaba village, identified by investigators as an alleged key facilitator, was arrested, taking the total number of arrests in the case to five.
The case was registered as Namsai PS Case No. 54/2026 in connection with the alleged trafficking/procurement and placement of children from vulnerable families.
The investigation is being conducted in coordination with the District Child Protection Officer Priya Pomoung, Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Namsai, Child Helpline and other child protection authorities and agencies.
The case is being supervised by Namsai Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley, and investigated by DySP Kengo Dirchi, SDPO Namsai. A Special Investigation Team comprising Inspector T Gayi, SI K Kahik and other police personnel is assisting the investigating officer in tracing and identifying children and examining the alleged involvement of persons connected with the case.
Police said statements of all traced/recovered children found connected with the accused persons have been recorded before the magistrate under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The investigation has involved coordinated operations across different districts and states, verification of multiple leads, examination of witnesses and victims, and scrutiny of electronic and financial evidence.
Police said the financial transactions and money trail associated with the case are also being examined to ascertain the nature, purpose and extent of the dealings and determine the role of persons involved.
The investigation is currently focused on establishing the alleged chain of procurement, facilitation and placement, including the circumstances at the parent or guardian, intermediary or broker, and recipient or receiver levels. The role and culpability, if any, of each person is being assessed individually on the basis of evidence collected during the investigation.
Further investigation is underway to trace any remaining children or persons connected with the case and establish the complete chain of alleged facilitation. Police said the identities and particulars of minor children have been withheld in the interest of their privacy and protection.