At least 26 people were today rescued by GRP personnel at Mughalsarai railway station while being "illegally" taken to Delhi from Jharkhand.
"25 girls and a boy being illegally taken to New Delhi by Ranchi Sampark Kranti Express were rescued by a team of GRP, Mughalsarai, led by Inspector Tripurari Pandey," a home department spokesman said.
Those rescued include some minors, the spokesman said, adding two women were arrested in this connection and a case was lodged against them.
Preliminary questioning revealed the accused had lured them on the pretext of participation in sporting events and getting them jobs, the spokesman added.
The bill recommends state governments to create
specialised schemes for victims, especially for women engaged in prostitution or any other form of commercial sexual exploitation, to enable them to come forward and reintegrate into mainstream society.
The bill recommends constitution of Anti Trafficking Committees at State and district level and constitution of a Central Advisory Board.
The district level Committee would comprise of magistrate, social workers, lawyer and an official from the department women and child development. They will work for prevention, rescue, protection, medical care, psychological assistance, skill development, need based rehabilitation of victims.
The Central level Anti-Trafficking Advisory Board will oversee the implementation of the Act and advice the appropriate government on matters relating to prevention of trafficking, protection and rehabilitation of victims. MORE
The draft Bill plugs loopholes in existing laws and brings within its fold additional crimes pertaining to trafficking which don't find a place in the existing laws.
"India is source, destination and transit country for trafficking...Under the Bill, an institutional mechanism is also sought to be set up to deal with this highly specialized subject which will also include members from Civil Society Organizations," Gandhi said said.
Since the problem is trans-border with our neighbouring countries, protocols will also be worked out for those trafficked from other countries.
The draft Bill has taken into account the various aspects of trafficking and its punishments as defined in section 370- 373 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 and aims to include other offences/provisions which are not dealt with in any other law for the purpose of trafficking.
For speedy trial with a view to increase prosecution and to reduce the trauma faced by the victims, the proposed draft Bill provides for establishing Special Courts in each district and experienced Special Prosecutors. Recovery of back wages and other monetary losses of the victim of trafficking is also proposed.
The draft Bill provides for mandatory reporting within 24 hours by a police officer, public servant, any officer or employee of Protection Home or Special Home having custody of the victim of trafficking to the District Anti-Trafficking Committee or in case of child victim to the Child Welfare Committee.
Human trafficking is third largest organised crime after drugs and arms trade, majority of which takes place within the country. There are also a large number of trafficked from Nepal and Bangladesh.
