Suspecting an alleged religious conversion attempt, Railway Police rescued 27 persons, including 19 minors, from Soro Railway Station in Odisha’s Balasore district on Saturday and detained two youths for questioning in connection with the incident.

According to police sources, the group was being taken from the Kaptipada area of Mayurbhanj to Angul on Saturday evening. The matter came to light after the two youths, along with the group, arrived at Soro bus stand and later proceeded towards the railway station. 

Railway police personnel present at the station grew suspicious after noticing such a large group accompanied by only two individuals.
During questioning, the two youths initially informed police that they were taking the children and others to Angul for educational purposes and to attend a summer course. However, police reportedly found inconsistencies in their statements during further interrogation, raising suspicion of an alleged religious conversion-related trafficking attempt.

Following the inquiry, police rescued all 27 persons, including 19 minors and eight adults. The rescued minors and others were later handed over to Childline for counselling, care and further verification of their backgrounds and identities.

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Railway police have detained the two youths and started a detailed investigation into the matter. Officials are trying to ascertain the exact motive behind transporting the group and whether any organised network was involved in the incident. Further investigation is underway.