WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2024
KARSTEN MIRANDA
MARGAO: Stakeholders committed to combating sex trafficking raised concerns regarding the widespread availability of information about escort services in Goa on the internet and strongly criticised the existence of these easily accessible websites.
When searching for escort services in Margao, Panjim, or any town or village in Goa, a prominent American multinational company focusing on search engine technology displays websites advertising such services. These stakeholders, who have been collaborating with authorities to eradicate these practices, have emphasised two primary demands namely the removal of these sites to safeguard Goa's image and proactive measures against those operating them.
“Bailancho Saad and other organisations too have time and again brought to the notice of the authorities about these advertised escort services online and have demanded that action be initiated against such sites. These escort services are basically a front for sexual services. The government should take steps to stop online advertisements on the web. It should use the advanced technologies they have for such online checks and tracking,” said Sabina Martins, convenor of Bailancho Saad.
“The authorities have to do something immediately to stop the online advertisement of escort services online, which promotes prostitution and also portrays Goa as a place for exploitation of women,” Auda Viegas, Bailancho Ekvott President.
“We want to know what action has been taken. We have raised this issue earlier too, and now we need to see time-bound results so that it is ensured that such activities are stopped and a strong precedent is set. Please don’t use our beautiful State for this,” said Auda .
Sources at the South Goa Police, however, had a different take. They said there are two types of escort services: one for VVIPs, which includes those run by human traffickers and discreetly promoted directly to clients – a situation actively monitored by the police with repeated actions taken in such cases.
Regarding the second type, the online advertisements for escort services, police sources claimed this was fake, a fraudulent setup whose modus operandi involves luring and robbing tourists. The police are investigating this, as harm has befallen tourists who engage with these websites, and, in some cases, they had gone missing temporarily. They also pointed out that a few years ago, reports about such websites were forwarded to the relevant police stations for further action, and subsequent follow-ups have been conducted.
In response, Arun Pandey, the founding member of ARZ (Anyay Rahit Zindagi), emphasised the need for action against these sites, regardless of their authenticity. He pointed to the recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into the Kenyan sex trafficking racket in Goa, revealing its widespread operation across India with Goa as the epicentre.
“In this Kenyan case, we found that the ‘massage republic’ website was being used,” noted Pandey. ARZ, the nodal NGO appointed by Goa Police’s anti-human trafficking unit, has consistently raised concerns about the prevalence of such online sites. They’ve collaborated with the police in dismantling prostitution rackets that exploit women from various parts of India and other countries.
Pandey stressed that even if the police deem these sites fake; their existence solely for monetary gain tarnishes Goa’s reputation. Furthermore, it attracts individuals who perceive Goa as a sex destination based on misleading online information, prompting the need to break this damaging cycle and reshape perceptions of Goa.
Drawing a parallel with individuals filing complaints against slander or fake information, including high-profile citizens with the cybercrime unit, Pandey argued for proactive action to safeguard Goa’s reputation.
“There is an abundance of misinformation on these sites, underscoring the urgency of their removal,” added Pandey. He highlighted the ongoing fight to enhance legislation, noting the current challenge where laws primarily address offline activities rather than online ones. Pandey advocated for new legislation specifically targeting online commercial sexual activities, revealing that ARZ has also drafted an alternative legislation in this regard and is actively working to promote its adoption as a major law. ARZ recently conducted an all-India study on online commercial sexual activity, which they used for the draft, and they will soon be placing in the public domain.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Superintendent of Police (SP) North, Nidhin Valsan said, “A special team has been constituted and action is being taken against those operating the websites.”
