16 Nepali children rescued from India, returned home safely

KATHMANDU: Sixteen Nepali children, including boys and girls aged between 7 and 14, were rescued from India and returned to their families on Thursday.

The children, from districts including Dhanusha, Mahottari, Siraha, Saptari, and Rautahat, had been taken across the border at different times through the Madhesh region.

Two girls were rescued just as they were about to be sold for sexual exploitation. “Both girls had been repeatedly subjected to sexual abuse,” said Naveen Joshi of KIG Nepal during a program organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Social Welfare in Madhesh Province. One of the girls is currently receiving psychological treatment and counseling.

Joshi highlighted that women and children are frequently trafficked from Nepal to India, often for forced labor, kidney harvesting, sex work, or even circus performances. “Many are lured initially through WhatsApp, where images are shared and deals arranged ranging from Rs 5,000 to 8,000 per person, before being forced into exploitation,” he explained.

The rescued children were brought back with support from the Rotary Club Rupandehi Lumbini.

Club Chair Parshuram Parajuli emphasized that the number of children being lured abroad remains high, and collective efforts are crucial to rescue and reintegrate them safely.

Former Nepalese government secretary Bhim Upadhyay criticized the lack of substantial government support in child rescue operations.

Madhesh Province Ministry Secretary Ranjit Kumar Yadav said that although laws exist, poor implementation has allowed the trafficking of women and children to continue.

He announced that the provincial government will establish a dedicated fund for child rescue, rehabilitation, and psychological support, and coordinate with relevant organizations to strengthen these efforts.

Sanjeev Mahto, head of the Child Search and Rescue Office in Janakpur, reported that last year alone, 61 children were rescued from India and reunited with their families.

During the same period, around 115 children who had gone missing within Nepal were also located and returned to their guardians.