In a major breakthrough, Dimapur Police rescued a 9-year-old girl who went missing from Rengma Colony, Dimapur, on July 3 last. The child was recovered from Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh, on August 22 after a sustained investigation that led to the arrest of five accused persons across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

According to a statement issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime)/PRO, the case was registered the same day the child’s father lodged an FIR at the Women’s Police Station, Dimapur.

The PRO stated that a team of Investigating Officers made it their top priority to safely recover the child — a goal that was successfully achieved. To support the operation, WT messages were circulated across the Northeast and vital information was gathered through local sources.

Information was received from the complainant that the suspects were arrested at Diphu police station, on receiving the information the Diphu Police Station was contacted and Personnel from Dimapur Women Police station proceeded to Diphu and took custody of the arrested suspects for further legal proceedings.

The investigation was carried out undercover to avoid tipping off the accused and to ensure the child’s safety.

It was confirmed that the two individuals apprehended in Diphu — Nitu Nath (31), son of the late Khasiram Nath, and Protima Rajbongshi (30) — are husband and wife. It was also noted that the complainant was personally acquainted with the accused.

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During the investigation, the arrested couple revealed that the child was abducted at the request of a co-accused. They also admitted to having sold the child in Arunachal Pradesh for Rs.80,000.

Based on their statements, police identified two more suspects from Jorhat — Basu Dep Tanti (38), son of the late Dipon Tanti, and Subhan Ali (52), son of the late Mohammad Ali.

Acting on the leads provided, the police team proceeded to Biswanath Chariali, Tezpur in Assam, where they apprehended another co-accused, Milan Da Teta (38), son of late Elia Da Teta. During questioning, Milan disclosed the whereabouts of the child, leading to her rescue.

According to the victim’s statement, the child was deceived and forcibly taken away under false assurances. The minor was also reported being physically assaulted by the couple and was instructed to tell others that she belonged to the Adivasi community. However, the child mentioned that she was treated well during her time in Arunachal Pradesh.

The investigation is still underway to determine whether the accused are linked to a larger human trafficking network.

At present, the child is housed at the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Home in Dimapur for care and protection.