DGP Khurania Calls for Unified Front to Tackle "Worrying" National Trafficking Threat
Odisha's leadership is treating human trafficking as a critical national threat, demanding a unified and robust response from all sectors of society. Director General of Police, Shri Jogesh Bahadur Khurania, recently inaugurated a state-level conference at Police Bhavan, emphasizing that this "heinous act" is a deeply worrying issue for the entire country, not just Odisha. The conference served as a call to action for a collaborative strategy to combat this severe violation of human rights.
In his keynote address, the DGP stressed that law enforcement alone cannot solve this complex problem. He called for a united front, bringing together the judiciary, police, women and child protection units, and the labor department. He also highlighted the essential role of voluntary organizations and the public in successfully dismantling trafficking networks. The ultimate ambition, he stated, is to establish Odisha as an ideal state in the fight against human trafficking.
Intensifying Enforcement and Rescue Efforts
The state's strategy hinges on strengthening the Integrated Anti-Human Trafficking Units (IAHTU), which the DGP described as the "backbone" of investigation and rescue operations. A clear plan is in place to enhance these units with more personnel, specialized training, and advanced technical skills. This internal strengthening will be paired with improved coordination with other states to intercept trafficking routes. Technology is a key component of this new push. The police aim to leverage digital tracking, data analytics, and enhanced monitoring to systematically break down trafficking networks.
Recent Successes and Future Goals
The conference acknowledged the diverse forms of trafficking prevalent in Odisha, including sexual exploitation, forced labor, domestic child servitude, and the luring of young women with false promises of jobs or marriage. Despite these challenges, recent efforts have yielded significant results. The ongoing "Operation Anweshan" has successfully rescued 1209 missing children (1078 girls and 131 boys) and 6667 missing women. The DGP confirmed that this operation will be intensified in the coming days.
Perspectives from National Experts
The summit brought together specialists from across the country. Dr. P.M. Nair, a retired DGP, provided insights on the changing trends of trafficking and its remedies. Umi Daniel, from Migration and Education, discussed the critical role of NGOs in rescuing and rehabilitating trafficked laborers. Advocate Ravi Kant focused on the legal and social framework needed to reintegrate rescued children and provide them with education and healthcare. The conference also addressed modern challenges, with Deputy Commandant Sanjay Kumar from the Ministry of Home Affairs discussing "cyber slavery" and the use of digital platforms to force individuals into criminal activities.
The conference, which included officials from IAHTU units across various districts, concluded with a clear consensus. Combating human trafficking requires a sustained, multi-disciplinary approach that integrates technology, interstate cooperation, and active participation from civil society to protect the state's most vulnerable populations.
