Rachakonda: Under the chairman ship of Commissioner of Police Mr. Mahesh M Bhagwat, IPS, Rachakonda Security Council, Cyber Security Forum hosted online session on Trafficking in Persons with theme “Use and abuse of Technology”
Mr. Mahesh M Bhagwat, IPS shared the complete insight on human trafficking with global perspective and the Indian scenarios. He kept the audience spellbound with how the circumstances in the society forces people into the trap of Trafficking. He shared at length on various types of trafficking like Sex trafficking, Domestic servitude, Forced labour, Organ trade, Cyber frauds, Camel Jockeying, Circus, Child Pornography, Contract marriage, Adoption etc.
He spoke about how to stop trafficking, Rescue, Rehabilitation, Restoration, Repatriation and Reintegration and strategy for Prevention, Protection and Prosecution. He quoted the case studies and his experiences and efforts in arresting the Trafficking by Diligent Rescue operations. He also shared the initiatives driven in Rachakonda jurisdiction and the efforts put in closing 170 apartment flats / lodges/ guest houses used as Brothels by taking an order from Sub Divisional/Executive Magistrate.
The panel discussion was moderated by Ms. Latha Ramasubramanyam – Jt Secretary Women’s forum RKSC.
As part of the Panel discussion Mr. Anil Rachamala, Joint Secretary Cyber Security forum- RKSC and founder End now foundation, shared his perspective to the audience on how Social Engineering plays a major role and briefed if technology is abused how it can give leads to criminals and victimize the people on Trafficking. He urged participants to follow 4 principles – “Read more Books than Status Updates, Look into more Eyes than Screens, Hold more Hands than Devices, Don’t Judge by ‘Likes / Followers””
Panelist Ms. Chandana Maripally of Bachpan Bachav Hyderabad unit who is working with multiple levels of Government, NGOs on child protection spoke about both challenges and support systems available on ground. She shared the various case studies and how rescue operations and the welfare measures were provided to the victims and avenues available for a come back to the mainstream of life.
Panelist Dr. Divya Devulapally, a Consultant Psychiatrist associated with Care hospital and Chetana hospital and Member of the Royal College of Psychiatry (LONDON), spoke about what makes a person vulnerable to the trap and Red flags parents should be watchful about which is causing mental and emotional stress and illness amongst children.
Sai Teja Kaveti who is heading Public Policy and Govt. Affairs at End Now Foundation gave highlights on the legal frame and challenges of delays in judgment. He urged that they should not give-up and fight for the justice. While there is lot of efforts and actions taken to improve governance with specific to Trafficking, he touched upon the highlights of prospective and proposed Trafficking In Persons Bill, 2021.
The session was attended by about 150 participants along with the RKSC volunteers. Commissioner of police urged that every person should take a pledge of helping one victim which will give them a second life. He thanked police personnel, Mr. Anil Rachamalla, Panelists, Mr. Gagan Kohili, Ms. Savitri, Ms. Latha Ram, Ms. Archana, RKSC team, participants and all for organizing this important program. There is a need for the community to wake up. The local leaders should work closely and collaboratively with police, Government and common man to create more awareness which will help prevention to a large extent. The session ended with vote of thanks from Ms. Archana Manne with a profound statement” If it’s not okay for my daughter, son, sister, brother, family or a friend, It’s not okay for anyone.”
Our Citizen Reporter
B. Bharath Reddy
