Agartala, February 10, 2026: The rescue of five minor girls from a hotel near Agartala Airport on Sunday evening has triggered widespread concern and renewed fears about an active human trafficking network operating in the state. The incident has created a sensation, particularly amid recent national and international focus on crimes involving minors.

Police sources informed that all five rescued minors belong to the tribal community and are aged between 12 and 17 years. They were reportedly missing from a school hostel in the Kanchanpur subdivision. Based on a complaint lodged on Sunday, Kanchanpur Police immediately initiated a search operation and tracked the location of a mobile phone believed to be with the minors. The location led investigators to the Notun Nagar area near VVIP Road in Agartala.

Acting on this information, the Agartala Airport Police, with assistance from Kanchanpur Police, conducted a raid at the Devraj Hotel, located adjacent to the airport, and rescued the five minors. Shortly after the rescue, the minors were taken to the police station and later handed over to Kanchanpur Police.

Police officials stated that, during preliminary inquiry, it appeared the minors may have come to Agartala voluntarily. However, sources have alleged that the girls were lured out of the hostel, detained in the hotel, and that there was a plan to traffic them to other states. There are also allegations suggesting the involvement of a wider trafficking network.

Despite the seriousness of the incident, confusion persists regarding the investigation. Airport Police sources claimed that the case falls under the jurisdiction of Kanchanpur Police, while maintaining that no separate investigation is being conducted by them. Notably, no case has reportedly been registered against the hotel owner for accommodating minors, raising questions about compliance with legal norms and the overall role of law enforcement.

The West Tripura District Police is said to have initiated a discreet inquiry into the matter. Meanwhile, reports of minors and young girls going missing from tribal areas of the state in recent months have further intensified public anxiety.

While police acted swiftly to rescue the minors, civil society groups and local residents are demanding a thorough and transparent investigation to identify and dismantle any trafficking network involved and to ensure accountability at all levels.