Assam: Alleged head of tea garden child trafficking network arrested in Tinsukia

Guwahati: Police on Wednesday arrested Peter Sona, the alleged head of a trafficking network involved in moving children from tea gardens in eastern Assam to neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh.

The arrest was made during an operation in Pengree after Sona reportedly fled Phillobari following a series of related arrests.

Assam Police confirmed that Peter Sona, who allegedly lured families from tea garden communities, has been apprehended.

According to police sources, Sona had been absconding after his alleged accomplices were arrested in Duarmara Singpo village, where traffickers reportedly attempted to abduct another minor.

One accused, Dipak Phukan, was detained by villagers and handed over to authorities, leading to additional confessions.

Within 48 hours, six more individuals were arrested: Umakanta Chetri, Boby Deori Sona, Rohit Khadal, Peter Sabashi, and Ajit Munda. Sona remained at large until Wednesday’s operation.

A senior officer said, "We got specific intelligence that Peter was hiding in Pengree. A swift operation was launched, and he was picked up from his hideout."

He added, "He is the key connector in this trafficking chain. A car used for transporting the children has been seized. Peter himself was the driver during the previous attempts."

Investigators believe Sona has been operating the network for several years, targeting remote tea estates where children are vulnerable due to poverty and limited awareness.

Police say his arrest may reveal wider links, possibly involving traffickers along the Assam–Arunachal border.

Veteran ATTSA leader Irot Tanti told Northeast Now, "We have been doing awareness programmes in Tea garden areas in Tinsukia district. The police should also act promptly to stop child trafficking permanently in Tinsukia district and across Assam."

Tanti also urged police to take prompt action on pending child trafficking cases, particularly in Tinsukia district.