Bhubaneswar: Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania inaugurated state‑level conference on Human Trafficking at Police Bhavan today.
DGP Khuraniya said human‑trafficking is now a grave concern not only for Odisha but for the entire nation, especially in the current scenario.
In his address, the DGP called for a united front—bringing together the judiciary, police, Women & Child Protection Units, Labour Department, NGOs, and civil‑society members—to effectively curb this abhorrent crime. He urged stakeholders to collaborate closely so that Odisha can become a model state in the fight against trafficking.
According to DGP, human trafficking is not merely a crime; it is a violation of human rights. It particularly strips women, children and youth of their dignity, freedom and future. In Odisha, human trafficking manifests in various forms such as sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic child labour, and trafficking of young women under the guise of employment or marriage.
“The Integrated Anti‑Human‑Trafficking Unit (IAHTU) and the District Labour Officers play a pivotal role in curbing human‑trafficking. IAHTU officials are the backbone of investigation and rescue operations. Going forward, the aim is to strengthen IAHTU further – augmenting its human resources, providing specialised training, and sharpening technical expertise. Co‑ordination with trafficking‑affected states will also be stepped up, so that comprehensive, well‑planned actions can be taken. In the days ahead, we will break trafficking networks through the use of technology, digital tracking, data analytics and surveillance – that is our primary goal,” said the DGP.
It is noteworthy that, this year, Odisha Police launched Operation Anwesan. In this campaign, 1,209 missing children (131 boys and 1,078 girls) were rescued. In addition, 6,667 missing women have also been rescued so far. The DGP said that in the coming days, Odisha Police will expand this campaign further.
At this conference, Dr PM Nair (retd DGP, NDRAF) shed light on various aspects of human‑trafficking, its changing nature and counter‑measures. Ms Uma Daniel (Director, Migration & Education) also spoke, stressing the need for coordinated action by police, labour department, district administration, social‑welfare department and NGOs to rescue, rehabilitate and provide legal aid to trafficked labourers, and highlighted the vital role of NGOs.
Supreme Court advocate Ravi Kant spoke about rescuing missing children, reuniting them with families and society, and providing them with education, health care, safety and a fresh start in life.
Sanjay Kumar, Deputy Commandant from the Union Home Ministry, discussed human‑trafficking and cyber‑slavery, focusing on how people are lured via the internet and digital media into forced labour or online‑based criminal activities.
Amit Kumar Nag, Lead Legal Program Partnership, International Justice Mission, highlighted the vital role of civil society—local organisations, NGOs, community groups and vigilant citizens—in combating human‑trafficking.
DGP Crime Branch Vinaytosh Mishra delivered the welcome address, while IGP ( Women & Child Crime Prevention Wing) Avinash Kumar offered the vote of thanks. Officers from the Integrated Anti‑Human‑Trafficking Units (IAHTU) across various districts also participated.
