BHUBANESWAR: The large-scale shifting of minor Muslim children from Bihar to multiple states has triggered serious concern in Odisha, prompting a multi-agency investigation. Within a span of just 16 days, at least 85 children were brought to Odisha and 163 to Madhya Pradesh, raising questions about the legality and intent behind such transfers.
While it has been claimed that the children were being taken to madrasas for religious education, the absence of valid documentation and the repeated transportation of minors from the same region to different states have put the entire operation under suspicion. Authorities are now examining whether proper legal procedures were followed and if the children’s rights were safeguarded.
Taking cognizance of the developments, the Odisha Police have intensified their probe. A central intelligence team from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has also reached Cuttack and initiated a detailed inquiry in coordination with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Simultaneously, a special police team led by the Cuttack (Rural) Superintendent of Police, along with district administration officials, is conducting inspections and verification drives across various madrasas in the district.
The issue first came to light on April 1, when 14 minor boys were rescued by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) at Cuttack railway station under suspicious circumstances. Preliminary investigation revealed that a cleric from Pikol village under Salepur police limits in Cuttack district had brought the children from Araria by train, allegedly for admission into a madrasa. The RPF intercepted the children while they were travelling from Kishanganj to Cuttack and placed them under protection.
The matter escalated further on April 10, when 163 children were rescued from railway stations in Jabalpur and Katni in Madhya Pradesh. These children, aged between 10 and 14 years, were reportedly from the Jokihat area of Araria district and were being transported from Patna to a madrasa in Madhya Pradesh.
On April 11, another group of 12 minor boys, also from Araria, was rescued at Cuttack railway station after arriving by the Amrit Bharat Express. Just three days later, on April 14, the RPF rescued 59 more children who had travelled by the Howrah–Puri Dhauli Express.
The case involving these 59 children has particularly drawn attention due to the pattern and details that emerged during questioning. The minors stated that four to five individuals from their locality had escorted them from Araria to Katihar by a local train, and subsequently to Howrah. At Howrah, they were received by a Moulavi from Odisha, who assured them of admission to a madrasa in Cuttack. The children were reportedly promised free religious education, food, and accommodation.
According to RPF Inspector Prabin Kumar, the children were intercepted while deboarding at platform number 4 in Cuttack. “They were unaccompanied at the time, which raised suspicion. During questioning, they revealed that they belonged to economically weak families in Bihar and had been sent with the hope of better educational opportunities,” he said.
During the incident, a cleric identified as Mahamad Akhlad, a resident of Chandapur under Raghunathpur, arrived at the station and attempted to take custody of the children. He claimed that he intended to admit them to a madrasa located in Deuligrameswar in Jagatsinghpur district. However, he failed to produce any valid documents to substantiate his claims, further intensifying suspicions.
Following this, the RPF informed the Government Railway Police (GRP), local police, and the Child Welfare Committee in Cuttack. The children were provided with food, water, and essential care by RPF personnel and Childline workers. Subsequently, the CWC conducted a detailed inquiry and formally rescued all 59 children under “Operation Nanhe Farishtey,” a nationwide initiative aimed at protecting vulnerable children. They were then handed over to the CWC for care, protection, and rehabilitation.
CWC Chairman Manas Ranjan Biswal stated that the children have been placed in two shelter homes. “They were being brought from Bihar without adherence to due legal procedures, which is a matter of serious concern. The concerned individual has failed to furnish the required documentation so far,” he said.
Biswal further added that the repeated arrival of large groups of children from the same region has prompted the involvement of central agencies. The intelligence team is currently interrogating the cleric and examining the sources of funding for the madrasas in question.
Meanwhile, Cuttack (Rural) SP Vineet Agarwal confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is underway. “All aspects of the case are being thoroughly examined. The district administration is also actively involved in the probe,” he said.
The recurring incidents have raised alarm not only within the administration but also among the public. The movement of such a large number of minors across states, without proper documentation or transparency, has sparked concerns about possible irregularities and child protection violations.
Authorities have assured that the investigation will cover all angles, including the role of intermediaries, the legality of transfers, and the institutional mechanisms involved. Further action is expected based on the findings of the ongoing probe.
