Odisha's Battle Against Human Trafficking: Strengthening Strategies and Collaboration

Odisha's police department is strengthening its Integrated Anti-Human Trafficking Units (IAHTUs) with enhanced manpower and new technology to combat human trafficking, according to Director General of Police Y B Khurania. The initiative was announced at a state-level conference addressing the issue.

Khurania emphasized that human trafficking is a severe violation of human rights, affecting especially women and children in Odisha due to its unique socio-economic and geographic vulnerabilities. The state's approach involves a multi-agency effort, bringing together police, child protection units, and other departments under one coordinated strategy.

In a significant operation named 'Operation Anweshan', the Odisha Police rescued 1,209 children and 6,667 women this year. Efforts to enhance inter-agency cooperation and technological advancements in tracking and surveillance continue, as the state pushes forward with its commitment to eradicate human trafficking.