PANAJI
Director General of Police (DGP) Jaspal Singh urged the people to share information with law enforcement agencies to tackle the problem of human trafficking as he said that the problem is prevalent within the society.
Singh was speaking to reporters on the side-lines of a function held to observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which was organised by the Goa Police in collaboration with Anyay Rahit Zindagi (ARZ) at Azad Maidan, on Saturday.
“The State has a very limited role to play in human trafficking as the problem takes place in the society. The police will act against anti-social elements involved but unless people share information with law enforcement agencies and are ready to depose in the court, we will not be able to make dent on the problem,” Singh informed.
On difficulties faced by Goa police in trafficking cases, Singh informed that the testimony of the victim is very important. “When cases go for trials, evidence is required. The problem is that the victim sometimes retracts the statement out of fear or he/she thinks that they won't find any alternate profession. Victim's testimony is very important in successful prosecution of a trial. Trials also take too long due to which people tend to forget their statements which leads to acquittal of the accused,” he opined.
But, Singh said that the Goa Police had organised a conference with the public prosecutors, in the presence of the Director of Prosecution, wherein causes were identified which led to acquittal of cases.
“Further, our police training school is developing a module to train the investigating officers so that the cases do not lead to acquittal and we are able to ensure successful prosecution of cases leading to conviction of accused,” Singh added.
When questioned on ways to control trafficking, he said that elimination of any social evil is difficult because human greed is always there. “This is the third largest organised crime but with successful prosecution of cases it can be solved. If we are able to secure conviction, it will send a message to those involved in such activities to deter from the same,” he added.
Singh further said that any tourist destination like Goa becomes target of anti-social elements for such types of offences because customers are available as they have the purchasing power.
“We need to tackle the problem in coordination with the NGOs. I have instructed my officers to tackle the problem with all seriousness. No human being should be put into a profession without their consent. Because bringing girls and sexually exploiting them is a very heinous offence as it demoralises them, demolishes their dignity resulting in them losing control over themselves,” he stated.
Earlier, DGP Singh flagged off a rally in which students from different colleges, para legal volunteers participated. Skits were also presented by the students as part of the programme.
