PANJIM: Goa has registered the highest number of human trafficking cases per capita population and also rescued the highest number of girls last year as compared to other States as per the data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
In 2021, Goa reported 15 cases of human trafficking less than 17 registered in 2020 and 38 in 2019 thereby showing a decline.
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However, the conviction rate in human trafficking has remained poor. Of the 89 cases charge-sheeted by the Goa Police last year, only three cases completed the trial and in all these cases the accused was acquitted.
As per the NCRB data, a total of 2,189 cases of human trafficking were registered in 2021 as compared to 1,714 cases registered in 2020, showing an increase of 27.7 per cent. Also, as many as 6,533 victims have been reported to be trafficked in which 2,877 children and 3,656 adults were trafficked. Apart from this, 6,213 victims have been rescued from the clutches of traffickers. A total of 5,755 persons were arrested in 2,189 cases of trafficking.
Congratulating the Goa Police for doing a good job in rescuing the highest number of girls and also for arresting the highest number of accused in human trafficking, Arun Pandey of NGO ARZ said that the concern is that human trafficking will continue to happen in the State being a tourist destination. But it is unfortunate that the conviction rate is failing and it was zero for the last two years.
According to Pandey, about 93 per cent of the girls rescued in human trafficking were from other States and they being the prime witnesses, unless and until they depose before the Court, it is difficult to get the accused convicted. He further said that often trial gets delayed and the victims after being rescued get rehabilitated. He said that the State government should make arrangements to bring them and provide accommodation during the trial and ensure a speedy trial.
Sabina Martins of Bailancho Saad said that the police investigations in human trafficking have been sporadic and there is no consistency. She said that there has to be efficiency in registering FIRs, investigation, evidence collection and filing of charge sheets.
