In a significant operation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids in multiple locations across eight states and two Union Territories in connection with human trafficking cases that have been registered by the agency. Sources familiar with the matter provided this information.
The raids, spanning across Tripura, Assam, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Haryana, Puducherry, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir, are part of NIA’s efforts to address human trafficking issues. Notably, last month, the federal agency arrested an individual named Mohammad Imran Khan in Tamil Nadu in connection with the illegal stay of certain Sri Lankan nationals in India. However, it remains unclear if these Wednesday’s raids are directly linked to that particular case.
The NIA boasts a specialized anti-human trafficking probe unit that deals with cases having international implications. In 2022, the agency investigated the trafficking of Rohingyas and Bangladeshi Muslims into Indian territory, followed by their settlement using forged documents.
Officials cited above have indicated that more information regarding the ongoing raids will be disclosed at a later time, as the agency continues to make progress in its investigations. Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation.
