In the wake of the State becoming one of the highest source areas of human trafficking in the country, Governor Ganeshi Lal on Wednesday stressed on the importance of combating the menace for a healthier society.
Inaugurating a one-day conference on human trafficking organised by the State Crime Branch here, the Governor appreciated the achievements of the Odisha police with regard to rescuing and rehabilitating the missing persons especially the minors.
He cited the example from the Ramayana as to how the erstwhile greatest demon King Ravana had kidnapped “Sita Mata” and was eventually doomed. He also blended of some mythological instances of the Mahabharata.
DGP Dr RP Sharma said problem of human trafficking is a serious concern not only from crime perspective but for the entire social fabric. This borderless organised crime preys on socio-economic vulnerabilities and helplessness of human beings. He said that human trafficking is a serious threat to the lives of poor and impoverished communities.
Sharma said advent of technology, increased mobility, access to better modes of transportation and free flow of people have aided the trafficking to a considerable extent. He also narrated the achievements of the Odisha police in rescuing and rehabilitating the missing persons especially the minors.
Mission Shakti Director Sujata Karthikeyan suggested suggested that members of SHG Groups and different field functionaries should be proactively involved in combating the menace. They can help in detecting such illegal activities at grass-root level and migration, transfer, repatriation, transportation and above all sexual exploitation of innocents can be stopped.
A police manual for “Victim-Centric Investigation” was released by the Governor on the occasion.
More than 150 police officers, Public Prosecutors and Labour and WCD Departments joined the programme. Some prominent NGOs also participated. The programme was supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Crime Branch ADG Santosh Upadhyay delivered the valedictory address and gave away certificates of participation to all the participants.