Agartala, October 22, 2025: Tripura has witnessed another disturbing case of suspected human trafficking involving a mother and her 40-day-old daughter. The incident came to light after Minuara Begum, a resident of Tripura’s Charilam filed a formal complaint with Amtali police station alleging that her daughter Sonali Akhtar and infant granddaughter Sultana Akhtar had gone missing under suspicious circumstances.

According to the complaint, Minuara had developed a familial bond with Surma Begum, a resident of Fultali Hothat Colony under the Kamalasagar assembly constituency. Over time, the two families began frequent visits. On October 17, Surma reportedly arrived with a vehicle and took Sonali and her newborn to her home claiming it was for a short visit.

However, by October 19, both Sonali and her baby had vanished from Surma’s residence and Sonali’s mobile phone was found switched off. Alarmed by the sudden disappearance and lack of communication, Minuara rushed to Surma’s house, only to find that her daughter and granddaughter were not there. Surma’s evasive responses further deepened Minuara’s suspicions.

Failing to locate her daughter and granddaughter, Minuara lodged a written complaint with Amtali police station. Since then, Surma Begum has reportedly gone into hiding allegedly fearing police action.

Police have launched an intensive investigation to trace the missing mother and child. On Wednesday afternoon, Minuara revisited the police station seeking updates and also addressed the media personnel accusing Surma Begum of staging a trafficking plot.

Minuara has urged police to expedite efforts to locate her daughter and granddaughter. Meanwhile, the Tripura Commission for Protection of Child Rights, which works to safeguard children’s welfare across the state, is expected to take cognizance of the case and determine appropriate action in the interest of the infant.