Guwahati: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of NF Railway successfully rescued 42 persons, including 36minors, two differently able men, two women and two girls during its ongoing checking drives conducted at different railway stations from May 16 to May 22.

RPF sources said they have also apprehended two persons involved in human trafficking. The drives were conducted at different locations in Katihar, Purnea, Barsoi, Kumedpur, New Bongaigaon, Rangiya, Kamakhya, Guwahati, Mariani, Tinsukia, New Jalpaiguri, New Tinsukia and Dimapur railway stations.

All the rescued persons were later handed over to the respective child lines as per norms for safe custody and family members after proper verification.

Recently Katihar RPF along with Meri Saheli Team, conducted a drive at Katihar railway station and rescued one run away minor boy. Later, the rescued boy was handed over to child line desk at Katihar.

On May 21, a team of RPF personnel rescued three runaway minor girls from Dimapur railway station. Later the minors were handed over to child line desk at Dimapur.

On May 17, RPF carried out a joint operation with members of Bal Bachao Andolan team and GRP of Purnea and successfully rescued seven minor boys and also apprehended two human traffickers from the station premise.Later those traffickers along with the rescued boys were handed over to GRP, Purnea.

“RPF is always alert and constantly keeps an eye on such incidents. Whenever we notice any child moving alone we suspect that something is amiss and we constantly get into action mode,” said the RPF officials.