NAMSAI | Namsai Police have traced 38 people, including 34 children, in connection with a suspected child trafficking and illegal child placement racket and arrested a fourth alleged facilitator, officials said on Monday.

The development came during the investigation into Namsai Police Station Case No. 54/2026, being probed by DySP Kengo Dirchi under the supervision of Namsai Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley.

According to a police statement, the 38 people traced so far include 34 children and four adults from different locations. Police have arrested Smti Rupali Padung as the latest accused in the case, taking the total number of arrests to four. Investigators are examining Padung’s alleged role in the transportation and placement of the victims, police said.

The investigation is now focused on establishing the alleged trafficking chain, including the roles of facilitators, transportation networks, placement arrangements, financial transactions and digital evidence.

Police are also examining the involvement of individuals with whom the children were allegedly placed, as well as the parents or guardians who handed over the children. Legal action will be taken on the basis of evidence, officials said. The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Namsai, are coordinating with police to ensure care, protection, counselling and rehabilitation of the rescued children.

Police said the identities of the rescued children were being kept confidential in accordance with legal provisions. Namsai Police said the investigation would continue to identify and dismantle the entire network involved in the suspected trafficking and illegal placement operation.