Bihar ramps up anti-trafficking drive

Time of India

2 days ago

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Patna: In response to the growing menace of human trafficking in the state, the police, the social welfare department, and various organisations have intensified efforts to curb the crime and aid in the rehabilitation of victims.
While trafficking cases continue to rise, the increasing number of rescues offers a glimmer of hope.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2022, a total of 2,250 human trafficking cases were recorded across the country. Bihar ranked third in the country with 260 such cases. However, the state topped the chart in terms of the number of minors rescued.
Explaining the rescue mechanisms in place, social welfare department secretary Bandana Preyashi says that each district has an Anti-Human Trafficking Committee headed by the district magistrate, and an Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (AHTTF) led by the DSP (headquarters).
"This task force conducts raids and rescue operations based on confidential inputs. In border areas, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) carries out similar operations to curb trafficking," she says. Raids are often triggered by information from sources such as the Child Helpline, GRP, RPF and others.
"Rescued children are counselled and rehabilitated through the Child Welfare Committee, in line with existing regulations.
They are then placed in child welfare homes if required," she adds.
However, Preyashi noted that the lack of timely information often hampers rescue efforts. "Bihar's proximity to international borders poses a unique challenge. Traffickers frequently exploit this to escape enforcement," she says.
She also points to coordination challenges between stakeholder agencies and the difficulty in rehabilitating rescued children, particularly when families are unwilling to cooperate.
Currently, there are 101 child care institutions under the department, housing 3,380 minors.
To address these challenges, ADG, weaker sections, Amit Kumar Jain says the police have deployed ground staff across various levels, especially along road and rail networks, to help identify and rescue victims.
"Often, rescued victims are reluctant to return home due to the deep-rooted stigma associated with trafficking.
In collaboration with NGOs, we are working to raise awareness and sensitise communities so that survivors feel safe and accepted upon return," he says.
To observe the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, Jain says a new initiative will be launched by Bihar Police. "We have proposed 'Naya Savera', a state-wide fortnight-long mission to rescue trafficked minors from July 31 to Aug 14. A state-level workshop on human trafficking will also be held at Sardar Patel Bhavan, Patna, on the eve of the day," he says.