Cuttack: A dramatic rescue unfolded at Cuttack Railway Station on Tuesday evening, when Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel intercepted 59 minor boys from Bihar suspected of being trafficked for madrasa admission in Odisha.
The boys, all appearing underage, were stopped at Platform No. 4 while deboarding the Dhauli Express around 6.30 pm. Alert RPF staff immediately informed Childline and began inquiries. The children revealed they were from poor families in Araria district, lured with promises of free education, food, and lodging.
Investigators said the group had travelled from Araria to Katihar, then to Howrah, where they were met by Maulana Mahamd Akhlad of Chandapur, Raghunathpur. He accompanied them to Cuttack but failed to produce valid documents of guardianship or admission.
Acting swiftly, RPF handed the matter to Government Railway Police, local police, and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). The boys were provided food, water, and essentials before being formally rescued under Operation Nanhe Faristey.
Later, the CWC took custody of all 59 minors for care, protection, and rehabilitation. Authorities are probing the role of Akhlad and possible trafficking links.