The children allegedly belonged to groups that, according to investigators, are fronts for forcing young people into prostitution by performing arkestra, which is a translation of the English term "orchestra."
Bihar police have rescued 17 minors from orchestra-and-dance troupes in the Saran district, bringing the total number of such rescues this year to 162. Saran Superintendent of Police (SP) Kumar Ashish reported that Friday morning raids across Mashrak, Panapur, and Isuapur police station areas led to the rescue of these girls. Investigators allege that these "arkestra" troupes, as they are locally known, serve as fronts for forcing minors into prostitution.
The SP stated that information was received regarding girls being compelled to dance and subjected to inappropriate acts. Of the 17 rescued, eight were from West Bengal, four from Odisha, two each from Jharkhand and Delhi, and one from Bihar. The operation was a joint effort, led by the Women's Police Station with support from local police teams and non-profit organizations including Mission Mukti Foundation, Rescue Foundation (Delhi), and Narayani Sewa Sansthan (Saran).
Authorities are in contact with the families of the rescued girls, providing necessary legal assistance, and the minors will be presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for further action. A case has been registered at the women's police station, and five orchestra organizers have been detained for questioning.
Police indicate that minors are typically lured with promises of money, employment, and even social media fame on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Since May 2024, the district police have rescued 162 minor girls, reuniting them with their families. In connection with these cases, 21 complaints have been registered, and 56 accused individuals have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. The district police are also utilizing their 'Awaaz Do' program to raise public awareness about the issue.
