30th July is International Day against trafficking in Persons and Insight Media has released a groundbreaking investigative reportage, “Bengal Files: Tales of Grooming and trafficking” about how West Bengal has become the hub of Human trafficking. Its border with Bangladesh makes it accessible to one of the most dangerous networks of coordinated criminals in the world, who play with the lives of young, innocent Indian Girls.

Page 8. A corner. Just a few lines.
That’s where it was buried — the news of a girl disappearing from Malda, West Bengal. But as our team at Insight dug deeper, that insignificant column revealed a horrifying truth: it wasn’t an isolated tragedy. It was a systemic, well-organized human trafficking racket operating in full view, and West Bengal was one of its darkest epicenters.

A Vanishing Generation
According to scattered reports and survivor testimonies, over a thousand girls have vanished from Malda district alone. Most disappear without a trace. Promised good jobs, marriage, or a better life, they’re instead sold into domestic slavery, sexual exploitation, or trafficked across international borders to places like Dubai.

Behind these vanishing acts lies a coordinated criminal network — one that leverages poverty, gender inequality, and administrative apathy to sustain itself.

Ground Zero: West Bengal
West Bengal shares a porous 2,217 km-long border with Bangladesh, making illegal crossings shockingly easy. Since 2010, the state has witnessed a surge in undocumented Bangladeshi migrants, further complicating efforts to track traffickers or rescue victims.

With Sheikh Hasina’s government ousted in Bangladesh, diplomatic cooperation has only weakened, making the repatriation of victims and control over cross-border trafficking even more difficult.

The Faces Behind the Fight
Our investigation began with Inspector Shiv Shankar Bose, an officer whose relentless pursuit of justice has rescued over 100 trafficked girls. It was through him that we discovered Professor Ranjan Banerjee, an academic-turned-activist whose life changed in 2007 after witnessing trafficking during a train journey. Today, he travels across villages, educating girls, forming community watch groups, and fighting this war from the ground up.

The Hidden Horror of Grooming
But trafficking today doesn’t just rely on physical abduction — it begins online. Our research found an alarming trend: online gaming platforms and social media are being weaponized to befriend, groom, and ultimately exploit young girls.

In one harrowing case, we met a 15-year-old survivor, pregnant as a result of repeated sexual abuse. Lured by what she believed was a genuine relationship, she found herself caught in a nightmare she couldn’t escape.

Psychologists confirm that schoolgirls are prime targets — emotionally vulnerable and socially isolated, they’re easy to manipulate. And once trafficked, the stigma ensures that even rescued victims face rejection from their own families.

On October 10, 2016, Mou, a 17-year-old girl from Hanskhali, was the victim of an acid attack by Imran Ali Sheikh, a known trafficker in the region. Her only ‘crime’ was resisting his coercion. Mou succumbed to her injuries, while her mother survived with near-total vision loss. Despite evidence and community outcry, justice has been slow, if not absent. Stories like Mou’s are far too common — and far too often buried.
Places like Sandeshkhali have become synonymous with whispered horrors: allegations of trafficking, religious coercion, and political protection, yet little to no media coverage. The silence surrounding these crimes is deafening, and arguably complicit.

In interviews, survivors recount how police stations often dismiss complaints as “elopements” or “family disputes.” Meanwhile, girls are forcibly converted, transported across borders, and erased from society.

Behind every statistic is a life destroyed, a family shattered. These are not just numbers. They are screams swallowed in silence. According to a 2023 Times of India report, 1,247 girls from Malda alone have fallen prey to human trafficking. Yet the real figures are believed to be much higher, with many cases never reported, and even more never acknowledged.

Where Is the Accountability?
The West Bengal government continues to deny the extent of the crisis, often dismissing it as politically motivated noise. But when politics becomes a shield for injustice, it is the vulnerable — the poor, the women, the children — who suffer the most.

With each passing day, the question becomes more urgent:
Where is the outrage? Where are the rescue missions, the rehabilitation centers, the promised reforms?

The Bengal Files is not just a documentary. It is a mirror — a reflection of our collective failure to protect the most vulnerable among us. Narrated by Swati Goel Sharma, an eminent journalist and activist who runs Rashtriya Jyoti and has been working towards bringing forward cases of forced conversion and bringing justice to victims of human trafficking. Watch the documentary on our YouTube channel.

In May, our team at Insight set out to explore the beautiful state of Assam, nestled along the majestic Brahmaputra River. What we initially thought would be a quick work assignment soon transformed into a captivating docu-series—one filled with unforgettable memories and a treasure hunt through Assam’s rich cultural and geographical heritage.

Our journey began in Guwahati, with our car packed and ready, and our first stop was the Assam Skill University.

Assam Skill University
Established to meet the evolving skill demands of the state, Assam Skill University offers education in emerging fields such as manufacturing (including Industry 4.0), services, automobiles, IT, healthcare, construction, banking, hospitality, tourism, and agriculture. The university’s Chancellor and Assam’s Chief Minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, beautifully captured the essence of its mission:

“The evolution of human history is marked by significant breakthroughs. Skilling the human hand is one such sacred phase of human development. The human hand—with its long, dexterous fingers and opposable thumb—holds the power to create wonders.”

At the university, we were introduced to some of Assam’s most cherished Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products, including Joha rice, Boka rice, Judima wine, Kaji Nemu, and Karbi Anglong ginger.

Joha Rice
Grown in Assam’s Garo Hills, Joha rice is celebrated for its sweet aroma and taste. Locally known as Mi Jaha, this rice comes in several traditional varieties such as Kola Joha, Boga Joha, Ramphal Joha, and Keteki Joha. Packed with antioxidants, Joha rice has seen rising demand internationally, especially in Vietnam.

Boka Chaul (Magic Rice)
Also known as “Magic Rice,” Boka Chaul is a wonder of simplicity—it requires only a brief soak in water before it’s ready to eat. The term Boka Chaul literally means “soft rice” in Assamese and dates back to the Ahom Dynasty.
(Is it because the Mughals never ate Boka Chaul that they couldn’t defeat the Ahoms? Well, we’ll never know!)

Judima Wine
A traditional rice wine brewed by the Dimasa tribe using steamed glutinous rice and a local herb called Thembra, Judima is sweet and distinct in flavor. Its recipe and cultural significance have been lovingly passed down through generations—a legacy preserved in every goblet.

Kaji Nemu
Declared the state fruit of Assam, the GI-certified Kaji Nemu is deeply embedded in Assamese identity. Its distinctive taste makes it a household essential—so much so that even the mildly bitter rind is often chewed. In Assam, when someone says nemu (the Assamese word for lemon), they’re almost always referring to this beloved variety.

Karbi Anglong Ginger
Known for its sharp pungency and distinct aroma, Karbi Anglong ginger enhances the flavor of everything from dishes to a strong cup of kadak chai. Granted GI-tag status in 2014, it is cultivated organically by tribal farmers in the Singhasan Hills using traditional Jhum and Tila methods.

Our next destination was Sarthebari, home to Assam’s famed bell-metal craft. Here, we had the privilege of meeting Mr. Haridas Das, recipient of the Assam Gaurav award. He offered us an exclusive look into his workshop, where he crafts stunning pieces from an alloy of copper and tin. Known locally as Kahar or Orja, these artisans produce items that are used both domestically and in religious rituals. Haridas ji’s intricate craftsmanship has earned him a well-deserved place among Assam’s most celebrated citizens, honored by the state’s civilian awards—Assam Baibhav, Assam Saurav, and Assam Gaurav.

Driving through the scenic Kaziranga National Park, we made our way to Jorhat, where we visited CSIR-NEIST, a premier research institution overseen by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. Dr. Virendra Tiwari, Director of CSIR-NEIST, introduced us to the Floriculture and Aroma Missions—ambitious projects aimed at transforming Assam’s agricultural landscape. These missions are part of a broader national vision to make Assam economically self-reliant and globally competitive.

Our journey then took us to CMER&TI, an institute dedicated to research and development in Eri and Muga silk. We explored their labs, climate adaptation projects, and innovations in sericulture—many of which are now being implemented in states like Gujarat.

Of course, no trip to Assam is complete without experiencing its legendary tea. We headed to Bahoni tea farms, where the aroma of tea hangs thick in the air. The rolling hills covered with tea bushes are a sight to behold. We learned how to identify premium tea, the nuances of plucking techniques, and delved into the world of GI-tagged Assam Orthodox Tea. The experience was both aromatic and enlightening.

Next, we journeyed to Majuli, the world’s largest river island. Flanked on three sides by the Brahmaputra and bordered on the fourth by the Subansiri River, Majuli was declared India’s first river island district in 2016. Accessible by ferry from Jorhat, the island is a vibrant hub of art and tradition.

Here, we met Padma Shri Hemchandra Goswami, who has dedicated his life to preserving the ancient art of mask-making and manuscript illustration. His globally respected work is even housed in the British Museum. We also met Jamini Payeng, who offered us a deep dive into Assamese handloom traditions—particularly the GI-tagged handloom of the Mising (originally Meri) tribe. The vibrant colors and patterns left us mesmerized.

Assam, the first state in our Exploring India series, exceeded all expectations. Every sense was engaged—from the rich tastes and textures to the visual splendor and heartfelt stories. It’s no wonder that the tagline of Assam Tourism is Awesome Assam—because it truly is awesome.

Join us as we continue this journey across India, unearthing the hidden treasures that make our country so incredibly diverse and beautiful.

As India reels from the aftershocks of the Waqf Act-triggered violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, Part 2 of our ground investigation uncovers a darker, more deliberate phase of the communal unrest.

What began as angry protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act soon turned into coordinated anti-Hindu violence, with disturbing new tactics: poisoned drinking water, homes torched with women and children inside, and crude bombs hurled by frenzied mobs. Survivors, intelligence inputs, and independent observers now point toward pre-planned ethnic targeting — not spontaneous rage.

The Murder That Sparked a Storm

The spiral into terror was cemented by a gruesome killing — the brutal murder of 55-year-old Harigobindo Das and his son Chandan Das, both respected Hindu businessmen in the Beldanga area.

Eyewitnesses allege that a mob, inflamed by radical slogans, dragged the duo out during a “peaceful protest” and hacked them to death. According to reports, the prime accused is linked to Islamist groups operating under the guise of anti-Waqf law protests.
India Today has cited intelligence officials connecting this network to Bangladesh-based Islamist outfits, raising alarms about the porous border and radicalisation in Bengal’s border districts.

Bombs in Broad Daylight

As tension spread, crude bombs were hurled at police vehicles and Hindu homes. One victim told us about bombs being spotted often nowadays, which are often used in Bengal’s political violence. One police constable, on condition of anonymity, said:

“There were 3 bombs in the field. They found it today”

The Name That Keeps Coming Up: Mehboob Alam

Once again, the name of TMC councillor Mehboob Alam has surfaced. Locals allege that Alam was not only complicit but actively instigated the second wave of violence.

“On Saturday, the attack unfolded from the councillor’s place – Mehboob Alam, TMC Councillor”

Radicalisation and Illegal Migrants: The Unspoken Threat

Reports from Organiser and News18 now confirm that illegal Bangladeshi migrants played a major role in swelling the mobs. Murshidabad, which has a long-standing infiltration issue, has become a hotbed of radicalisation and parallel power structures that challenge Indian sovereignty.

Weapons caches were also recovered from abandoned madrasa premises — hinting at premeditated violence, not spontaneous outrage.

Women Targeted: NCW Raises Alarm

The National Commission for Women has issued a scathing report on the violence, stating that Hindu women were deliberately attacked and intimidated. Many faced threats of rape and molestation, with several families alleging that local police refused to even register complaints.

Central Forces Deployed, But For How Long?

In response to public outcry and a High Court directive, 17 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed. While this has stabilised the situation temporarily, local residents fear the violence will return once the spotlight fades.

Conclusion: The Bengal Borderline Has Been Breached

Murshidabad is not just a district in Bengal anymore — it’s a communal time bomb, one ticking at the intersection of vote-bank politics, demographic manipulation, Islamist radicalisation, and state complicity.

The Waqf Act may have sparked the fire, but what followed was an organised attempt to erase dissenting communities, rewrite territorial control, and instill fear through methods unseen in recent Indian memory.

“Watch our exclusive video report on the second phase of Murshidabad violence — including survivor interviews, site footage, and a breakdown of how the state looked away when people were marked for death.”