PANAJI
A half-hearted attempt to assist the trafficking survivors has put a question mark on the human trafficking rescues in the coastal State that has earned a bad reputation for being a hub for commercial sexual exploitation.Besides being traumatically bonded with their traffickers, the victims are facing challenges after their rescue. NGO Anyay Rahit Zindagi (ARZ) spelt out difficulties faced by the victims and their family members while addressing a State level conference on anti-human trafficking on Friday.
A rescued victim's medical examination report is not provided to the concerned including the survivor herself, and neither are her documents like Aadhar Card or Voting Card returned to her post-rescue.
"Medical report is not provided at the time of inquiry, and property retrieval of the victim is not done. The documents are not handed over to the victim post-rescue and there is no action taken against those responsible for forging documents and creating fake government-ID cards and certificates of the victims," ARZ Director Arun Pandey said.
As per the National Crime Records Bureau Report (NCRB) 2020, Goa registered the highest cases of human trafficking per capita population while there is just one conviction in the last couple of years.
Pandey also emphasised the failure of the authorities to provide them assistance to get back the passports of victims from the traffickers. A study shows that victims from around 25 states and various countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Central Asia, are trafficked into Goa for prostitution. Pandey has demanded a sustained crackdown on prostitution and stringent action against those who encourage and survive this illegal trade.
Another major challenge is the absence of some Sub-Divisional Magistrates during the panel meeting wherein matters regarding the rescued survivors' are discussed and their statements are recorded.
Other challenges
· Impersonation to take custody of the rescued victim
· Lawyers charging money for writing applications
· Reports of follow-up not submitted to the office of SDM
· Prevention and Penal action are missing as the authorities are unaware of the facts of the case
· Family members are unable to meet the inmates
· Short notice of panel meetings to family members and their long stay in Goa burdens them financially
Challenges by police
· Lack of information regarding trafficking-online
· Arranging for decoy
· No funds for the exchange of money with the pimp
· Difficult to get witness/ panchas - stock of panchas
· Delay during medical examination - forensic
· Victims refusing medical examination
· Repeat visits for medical
· No sealing of the place
· Victims not cooperative
· Release of a victim from Protective home not informed
· Accused absconds after getting bail
· No externment of repeat offenders
