Bhubaneswar: Railway Police in Odisha rescued 27 persons, including 19 minors, from Soro Railway Station in Balasore district on Saturday after suspecting an alleged attempt to transport them for activities linked to religious conversion. Two youths accompanying the group have been detained for questioning.
According to police sources, the group had reportedly travelled from the Kaptipada area of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district and was being taken to Angul when the incident came to light.
Officials said suspicion arose after railway personnel at Soro station noticed an unusually large group of children and young persons accompanied by only two handlers. The group had first arrived at the Soro bus stand before moving towards the railway station.
During preliminary questioning, the two youths allegedly told police that the children were being taken to Angul for educational purposes and to attend a summer programme. However, investigators reportedly found inconsistencies in their statements, prompting a more detailed inquiry.
Police later intervened and rescued all 27 persons, including 19 minors and eight adults, amid suspicions of possible trafficking and attempts at religious conversion.
The rescued minors and accompanying persons were subsequently handed over to Childline India Foundation officials for counselling, care and verification of their identities and backgrounds.
Railway Police have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact circumstances under which the group was being transported and whether any organised network may have been involved. Authorities are also examining possible links to trafficking or coercive religious conversion activities.
Officials said statements of the rescued persons were being recorded, while the two detained youths continued to be questioned. No formal arrests had been announced at the time of filing this report.
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