In a major operation against human trafficking, Tripura Police, in collaboration with the Government Railway Police (GRP), has successfully dismantled a cross-border trafficking network operating across Tripura and other Northeastern states. As a result, Niloy Ahmed Joy, a Bangladesh national, was arrested in Bangalore for his involvement in the illegal network.

Joy, originally from Dhaka, had been residing in Bangalore and played a significant role in the trafficking syndicate that exploited vulnerable individuals through Tripura. On Tuesday, following approval from a Bangalore court, he was transferred to Agartala on transit remand.

The operation was launched after the arrest of three Bangladeshi women on January 19, whose interrogation revealed Joy’s key role in the trafficking ring. Police used mobile tracking technology to trace his location, leading to his arrest in Bangalore before being brought to Agartala.

Authorities seized incriminating documents from Joy’s mobile phone, which are currently being analyzed to uncover further details of the trafficking network. “We have evidence connecting him to border touts operating in both India and Bangladesh,” said Tapas Das, Officer-in-Charge of Agartala GRP Station. Police have sought a five-day remand to further investigate the case.

The issue of human trafficking remains a growing concern in Tripura, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) reporting the arrest of 25 individuals involved in trafficking activities between January 2022 and November 2023. However, no arrests were reported in 2022 or 2024, according to the latest Home Department report.