Kishanganj, Bihar: The 41st Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), stationed at the India-Nepal international border, has unearthed a significant human trafficking case, successfully rescuing two minor girls. The girls were being lured to Nepal under the pretext of job opportunities and casino visits. In connection with the incident, Mahesh Bhuralal Tanna (61) from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and Naveen Kumar (34), a car driver from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, have been arrested.

The incident came to light when SSB personnel, during a routine check at the New Bridge Border Interaction Team (BIT) near Panitanki, intercepted a silver Toyota Hyryder car heading towards Nepal on suspicion. The car was occupied by Mahesh Bhuralal Tanna, driver Naveen Kumar, and a 17-year-old minor girl from Mizoram. During questioning, the girl revealed that the accused was an acquaintance of her father and was taking her to Nepal under the guise of visiting casinos and shopping.

Based on the information provided by the first girl, the SSB raided a rented house in Salugara, Siliguri, where another minor girl was safely rescued. It was also revealed that the girls were being held in Siliguri, enticed by promises of jobs in spa centers in Mumbai and Goa. The SSB, in coordination with Kosi Lok Manch and local police, launched a joint operation, leading to the rescue of the second girl. Both girls have been safely extracted, and the process of providing them with necessary assistance has been initiated.