Two young girls from the Malda district of West Bengal were rescued by police after they allegedly fled their home, misled by false promises of becoming K-pop idols and fashion models in South Korea. The police released details of the case on Thursday, highlighting the potential connections to an organised trafficking network operating via social media platforms.

Both girls, who are in Class 6, had maintained a correspondence with an individual identifying herself as “Dighi Sarkar” for nearly one year. This interaction took place primarily through Pinterest and another unnamed application, where the suspect built a rapport with the girls by enticing them with opportunities in the South Korean entertainment industry.

As part of their grooming, the girls were encouraged to acquire the Korean language skills and cultural knowledge necessary for the industry. They were added to a digital group called “Demons”, where they received various instructions, travel information, and logistical details. Authorities allege that they were misled into leaving their homes without notifying their families, with the impression that they would travel to Bhutan initially before proceeding to South Korea for training.

Police Investigation and Rescue Operation

Upon realising that their daughters were missing, the families notified the local police. Officers initiated an investigation and discovered that the minors had taken a bus to Siliguri, where they were scheduled to meet unidentified individuals at the Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus.

Police launched a prompt search operation in the Naukaghat area, scrutinising bus services in an attempt to locate the girls before they could advance towards the international border. The rescue was successful, as the girls were found aboard a bus, safely returned to the police station before any further progress could be made.

An NGO played a supportive role in the operation, assisting the police in recovering the girls just prior to their intended departure from India. Following their rescue, the minors were reunited with their families, who expressed relief over their safe return.

Ongoing Investigation Into Broader Network

Authorities are now delving deeper into the incident, focusing on the identities of the individual who reportedly contacted the girls online. Investigators are exploring whether this incident forms part of a more extensive network that targets minors through deceptive promises of overseas modelling and entertainment opportunities.

In light of the rescue, Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhury, a Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former MLA of English Bazar, visited the police station to meet the girls. She praised the swift action taken by law enforcement, noting that it likely prevented what could have turned into a significant tragedy. However, she refrained from further comments as the investigation remains active.

As part of the ongoing investigation, police are analysing the digital footprints left by the suspects. This includes tracking the online accounts and groups that were used to communicate with the vulnerable minors, aiming to unveil the extent of the operation and identify those responsible for the illicit activities.

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