5 foreigners charged among 24 in Assam human trafficking case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charges against 24 accused, including five from Bangladesh and Myanmar, in connection with human trafficking cases in Assam, an official said on Tuesday.

The chargesheet was filed before a special NIA court in Guwahati against agents of an international crime syndicate who used forged documents to traffic Bangladeshi nationals and Myanmar Rohingyas to India, a spokesman for the federal agency said.

The accused, including four Bangladeshis and one Myanmar national, were charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Foreigners Act and Passport (Entry into India) Act and Rules, the official said.

In November last year, the NIA, in coordination with state police agencies, conducted massive raids at 39 locations in Tripura, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir and West Bengal, initially arresting 29 people.

A large number of incriminating documents, fake Indian identity documents, bank documents and digital devices were seized during the raids.

Subsequently, four more accused were arrested in Tripura in December, taking the total number to 33.

The case was initially registered by the Assam police against some anti-social elements under the Passport Act after credible information emerged that an organized human trafficking syndicate was involved in trafficking Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas to India using forged documents , to carry out anti-India activities.

The NIA took over the case on October 6.

The spokesperson said that investigations have shown that international human trafficking syndicates are very active in Tripura, Assam, West Bengal and other areas on the border between India and Bangladesh.

The officials said the groups often trafficked Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals and prepared fake Indian identity documents with the aim of helping them settle in various parts of the country.

These networks also have links to facilitators and traffickers operating in other parts of the country and across the border as part of larger syndicates engaged in human trafficking across the India-Bangladesh border.

Investigations further revealed that criminal gangs on both sides of the border conspired and offered inducements to obtain the consent of trafficked persons, the spokesperson said, adding that the accused would prepare forged Indian identity documents and arrange for bookings, accommodation, transportation and further Activity. Travel to other parts of India.

Traffickers exploit their victims and place them in employment in various unorganized sectors for a meager income.

Trafficked girls and women are subjected to various other forms of exploitation, and some Rohingya women are sold into marriage to older men, the official said.

The NIA said the Bangladeshi nationals obtained Indian identity documents using false or forged supporting documents and certificates provided by local officials in connivance with local agencies.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)