Centre proposes dedicated probe agency to handle human trafficking

Centre has proposed to create an organised crime investigation unit dedicated to tackle human trafficking for prostitution which could be supported through Nirbhaya Fund.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development said the Ministry of Home Affairs has been requested to work out the formation of a dedicated crime investigation unit to probe cases of trafficking for prostitution in consultation with the states.

“Trafficking for sexual exploitation, one of the many forms of trafficking is a complex phenomenon, it was viewed that there is an urgent need for setting up an organised crime investigation agency,” the ministry said.

The ministry, represented by a council, told a Supreme Court bench presided by Justice A R Dave that a panel comprising of different ministries should be formed to prepare a comprehensive legislation to tackle all kinds of trafficking.

Meanwhile, the bench, also comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and Kurian Joseph, asked all states and Union Territories to provide details of FIRs registered between 2014 to September 30, 2015 concerning girl child trafficking under provisions of the IPC and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, to the Ministry of Home Affairs.The MHA will collate the data from the states and will file an affidavit before November 18, the next date of hearing, the court said. The court also asked the Union Cabinet Secretary to set up a high-powered inter-ministerial committee to deal with the issue.