J&K Police dismantle human trafficking module in Baramulla

SRINAGAR — Acting on a tip from a reliable source, Jammu and Kashmir Police in Baramulla on Friday said to have successfully dismantled a human trafficking module operating in Ushkura, Baramulla.

The investigation revealed that Shakeel Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Ushkura, was involved in the trafficking and exploitation of minor girls from outside the Union Territory. Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 173/2024 under relevant sections of law was registered at Police Station Baramulla and an investigation was taken up, a police spokesman said in a statement.

Acting on the information, a police team raided Shakeel Ahmad Bhat’s residential premises and rescued three minor girls who are Rohingya from Burma. The raid was conducted in the presence of a Magistrate and lady police officials, police said.

During interrogation, police said Shakeel Ahmad Bhat confessed that he sold a girl to Mehraj Ahmad Tantray, a resident of Kanlibagh. Subsequently, a raid at Tantray’s residence led to the rescue of another minor girl.

Both Shakeel Ahmad Bhat and Mehraj-u-Din Tantray have been arrested. Efforts are now underway to apprehend other individuals involved in this human trafficking racket.

Meanwhile, police urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities on time.