Police Overwhelmed by Multiple Duties, Hindering Trafficking Crackdown
In Hyderabad, police forces are struggling with an excessive burden of responsibilities, making it challenging to focus on tracking human trafficking networks, according to Parimala Hana Nutan, DIG (CID). She emphasized the urgent need for stronger, specialized systems to effectively combat this crime during a panel discussion at the State-Level Convergence Workshop on Combating Human Trafficking Pertaining to Bonded Labour in Telangana.
Call for Independent Anti-Human Trafficking Units
Nutan stressed that Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) must be granted the powers of a police station to conduct independent investigations. She noted that the current procedural system, where cases are routed back to local police stations, results in significant delays and weakens prosecution efforts. This structural inefficiency hampers the timely resolution of trafficking cases, allowing perpetrators to evade justice.
Underreporting and Need for Enhanced Coordination
Highlighting the severity of the issue, Nutan pointed out that most human trafficking cases remain underreported, necessitating stronger intelligence networks, improved interdepartmental coordination, and technology-driven surveillance. She underscored that robust evidence collection and maintaining a proper chain of custody are critical components to ensure successful convictions in court.
Sex Trafficking as a Form of Bonded Labour
Sunitha Krishnan, co-founder of Prajwala, addressed the panel, describing sex trafficking as "one of the largest and most invisible criminal enterprises." She advocated for its recognition as a form of bonded labour, explaining that victims are often controlled through psychological coercion and blackmail rather than physical confinement. Many are forced to service multiple clients daily without any compensation, enduring severe exploitation.
Health Impacts and Emerging Trafficking Trends
Citing data from recent field studies, Krishnan revealed that nearly 78% of victims of sexual exploitation suffer from traumatic brain injuries, highlighting the distinct and severe physical and psychological toll of such abuse. She also warned of emerging forms of trafficking, including cases where educated youth are trafficked for forced cybercrime operations in Southeast Asia, indicating evolving criminal tactics.
Risk of Retrafficking and Lack of Support
Krishnan further noted that adult victims are often denied compensation and empathy, which significantly increases their risk of being retrafficked. This lack of post-rescue support perpetuates the cycle of exploitation, underscoring the need for comprehensive rehabilitation and legal aid programs to protect survivors and prevent future victimization.
