The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out searches at 22 locations across six states on Thursday in connection with an ongoing human trafficking investigation. The operation began early in the morning, with multiple teams from the NIA working in close coordination with state police forces to target an organised trafficking network.

The raids were conducted at the premises of suspects based on specific intelligence inputs. According to official sources, the operation focused on individuals and organisations allegedly involved in trafficking vulnerable individuals for illegal activities, including forced labour and exploitation.

The case registered as RC-10/2024/NIA/DLI, was initially investigated by local police before being handed over to the NIA. It reportedly involves the trafficking of men, women, and children across state borders, with potential links to international networks.

As India’s premier counter-terrorism and investigative agency, the NIA has intensified its efforts to dismantle human trafficking syndicates believed to be connected to larger organized crime networks. The agency suspects that this particular network may have cross-border links, further complicating the scope of the investigation.

Authorities have increasingly focused on combating human trafficking, which remains a persistent issue in India. Thousands of individuals, especially from economically vulnerable communities, are trafficked each year despite stringent laws and international agreements. Traffickers often exploit enforcement gaps, making it challenging to curb such crimes.

The NIA’s current operation marks a significant move towards disrupting trafficking supply chains and rescuing victims. The agency remains committed to exposing and dismantling these networks to ensure justice for the victims and enhance enforcement against such organised crimes.