Bike rally to raise awareness against human trafficking

A bike rally from Bengaluru to Belagavi to raise awareness about child trafficking was flagged off on Sunday at the Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium here.

The rally was organised by the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) and Unicef to mark United Nations (UN) World Day against Trafficking in Persons on July 30.

The ‘Freedom Rally’ was flagged off by Director General and Inspector General of Police Rupak Kumar Dutta.

It started from Bengaluru with about 20 riders and, stopped at Davangere before reaching Belagavi, covering a total distance of 505 kilometres. More riders joined the rally along the way.

The purpose is to raise awareness about child trafficking in the state. “Karnataka stands fifth in the country in trafficking and about 70% of people trafficked are women and children. Children are forced into beggary, prostitution, bonded labour and so on. It is a very organised crime,” said Kripa Amar Alva, chairperson of KSCPCR.