The Railway Protection Force (RPF) was today presented an award by Home Minister Rajnath Singh for its contribution in the field of anti-human trafficking.
According to a statement by the Railway Ministry, the award was received by RPF's Director General Rajiva Ranjan Verma at the 'National Conference of Anti-Human Trafficking' for the contribution of the force during 'Operation Smile'.
Indian Railways, being the cheapest mode of travel across the country, is often used by the criminals to carry trafficked people from one place to another, the release said.
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The Railways has formed child protection committees at various railway stations across the country.
The RPF, being the most active component of child protection committees, has played a vital role in rescuing trafficked children and handing them over to either legitimate guardians, or authorised NGOs, working in this field, it said.
According to official data, 4658, 4448 and 3969 victims of child trafficking were rescued in 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively by the RPF personnel.
