Fifteen Children Rescued from Bus in Malkangiri, Trafficking Suspected

Bhubaneswar, April 27: In a swift operation, Childline officials and Malkangiri police rescued 15 children from a bus near the district police station on Sunday.

The bus was reportedly headed toward Vijayawada, with the children being transported without proper documentation or parental consent.

Authorities suspect the children were being trafficked under false pretences, with agents luring them through promises of summer courses and film shooting opportunities.

The rescued minors have been shifted to a safe shelter, while efforts are underway to contact their families.

Police have launched an inquiry to identify the organisers behind the transport.

Preliminary findings suggest similar operations may be active in nearby districts, raising concerns about a larger trafficking network exploiting vulnerable families.

Officials have assured strict action against those involved and urged parents to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes targeting children.