Concerns raised over rising cases of human trafficking at Mysuru event

Expressing concern over the prevalence of human trafficking in society, K.K. Amarnath, Senior Civil Judge, said that the situation has come to such a pass that not only animals or vehicles get stolen, but humans have resorted to ‘’stealing’’ fellow humans.

He was speaking after inaugurating an event marking the ‘World Day Against Human Trafficking’ here on Wednesday. The event was organised by the Mysuru District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Office of the Superintendent of Police, and other departments.

Mr. Amarnath, who is also the member secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Mysuru, said that people should be aware of the gravity of the situation and must reflect as to why or how the society has reached a point where it has become necessary to observe a day to mark human trafficking. This is a troubling sign as to where the society is headed, he added.

Attributing human trafficking to lack of education and sexual exploitation, Mr. Amarnath stressed the need to prevent it and explained the legal provisions under which such crimes are punishable, including the sections of law and the duration of imprisonment applicable.

Additional Police Commissioner Nagesh said public cooperation was crucial in preventing such crimes and pointed out the rising number of missing minors.

Mr. Nagesh said that in many cases, children are trafficked under the pretext of being cared for but are later forced into housework or other forms of labour, including sexual exploitation. He urged the people to be vigilant and report such cases to the police. “Combating such crimes is not just the responsibility of the police; all departments must work together to effectively tackle them,” he added.

Officials from the District Health and Family Welfare Department, Department of Public Instruction, Department of Women and Child Development, District Child Protection Unit, Social Welfare Department, and others were present.