Agartala, December 25, 2025: Out of 30, 24 boys and young men from Tripura’s Chandipur Assembly constituency, who had gone missing under suspicious circumstances, have been safely rescued from Arunachal Pradesh, according to Unakoti District Superintendent of Police Sudhambika R on Thursday morning.

The incident, which sparked widespread concern across Unakoti district, began when the youths were allegedly lured with promises of lucrative employment and taken out of state by a suspected trafficking network. Most of the victims hailed from impoverished tea garden communities in Kalishashan and Rangrung, making them vulnerable to exploitation.

The situation escalated after one of the missing youths managed to secretly contact his family, revealing harrowing details of abuse and inhumane treatment. This prompted immediate police action.

Speaking at a press conference, SP Sudhambika R stated that an FIR was lodged at Kailashahar Police Station last Tuesday, triggering a swift investigation. Mobile phone tracking revealed that the group had been taken to the Belang area under Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh. In coordination with Arunachal Pradesh Police, a rescue operation was promptly launched.

The operation was facilitated by direct communication between Tripura DGP Anurag Dhankhar (IPS) and his Arunachal counterpart Anand Mohan (IPS), leading to the successful recovery of all 24 individuals. They are currently under the care of Arunachal Pradesh Police.

A special team from Unakoti District Police is scheduled to travel to Arunachal Pradesh to complete the legal formalities and bring the rescued youths back to Tripura.

The news of their rescue has brought immense relief to the residents of Unakoti, who had been gripped by anxiety since the disappearance. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of gratitude and relief as the district breathes a collective sigh of relief.