<![CDATA[Telangana: Telangana Director General of Police Anurag Sharma today said fear of law should be created among those people indulging in human trafficking. "It is not only investigation but fear of law also should be created among the people who indulge in such crimes. Through the combined synergy of NGOs, police and women and child welfare department, we will be able to bring down the issue of human trafficking by instilling fear among people who are part of such activities," Sharma was quoted as saying in a release. Speaking at a event organised on 'World Day Against Trafficking in Persons', Sharma said the Telangana police is committed to give stringent punishment to people who perpetuate these crimes. The DGP highlighted on the measures taken to curb human trafficking after formation of Telangana. He said, "After 2014, 953 trafficking cases were registered, 1,397 victims were rescued and a total of 1,043 traffickers were arrested." The top cop also said the Telangana police and CID have been conducting a number of raids on brothels and places employing trafficked labour and rescued large number of minors from such places. During 'Operation Muskaan' and 'Smile', Telangana police has been able to rescue maximum number of children from exploitative situations, he added. "Human trafficking has to be considered as a serious crime as it is second most international illegal business after drugs", the Telangana Police chief said adding it was important to rehabilitate victims and integrate them into main stream society. Inspector General of Police Soumya Mishra observed that there is a need for capacity building among law enforcement agencies like police and prosecutors to deal effectively with the growing menace of human trafficking. Rachakonda Commissioner of Police Mahesh M Bhagwat, said police underwent training on the issue of human trafficking, which changed the way they see the human trafficking victims. Bhagwat was last month conferred with the 2017 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes Award by the US state department for his fight against human trafficking in India. "Our approach towards women victims has changed as we rescue them as witness and not arrest them. It is with their help that we know more information about source and destination where trafficking happens," Bhagwat added.]]>
