Uttar Pradesh Police Chief Calls for Coordinated Action Against Human Trafficking
In a significant move to combat what he termed one of the most brutal forms of "modern slavery," Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna on Monday issued directives to strengthen the state's fight against human trafficking. Addressing a daylong state-level workshop at the UP Police headquarters, the DGP emphasized the urgent need for robust and coordinated action to effectively curb this organized crime.
Strengthening Anti-Human Trafficking Infrastructure
DGP Krishna specifically instructed anti-human trafficking units (AHTUs) across Uttar Pradesh to enhance their intelligence networks, identify trafficking hotspots, conduct timely rescue operations, and maintain strict surveillance at key transit points. He highlighted that human trafficking represents not just an organized criminal offense but a severe violation of fundamental human rights, often rooted in systemic issues like poverty, inequality, and displacement.
The workshop, organized by the Women and Child Security Organisation (WCSO), brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies and challenges in combating trafficking. Krishna pointed to Uttar Pradesh's particular vulnerability due to its large population size and strategic proximity to the Nepal border, making it both a source and transit region for trafficking networks.
State Government's Prioritization and Statistical Overview
The police chief noted that the state government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has made the safety of women, children, and vulnerable groups a top priority. This commitment is reflected in the expansion of AHTUs from 35 districts to all 75 districts across Uttar Pradesh, significantly improving the institutional framework to address trafficking.
Between 2016 and 2025, Uttar Pradesh registered 1,010 human trafficking cases, with charge sheets filed in 832 of these cases, indicating substantial investigative progress. DGP Krishna stressed the importance of coordinated operations with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) along the sensitive Nepal border to disrupt cross-border trafficking routes.
Recognition of Exemplary Work and Expert Insights
During the event, five investigating officers and five AHTU station heads were felicitated for their exemplary work in combating human trafficking. The workshop featured presentations from several experts who provided valuable insights into different aspects of the issue.
Former National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) director general PM Nair spoke about the scope, underlying causes, and legal framework surrounding human trafficking. Expert Rajesh Mani discussed detailed rescue protocols and comprehensive victim rehabilitation strategies essential for supporting survivors.
Railway Police Achievements and Digital Challenges
Director General (Railways) Prakash D highlighted the Government Railway Police's (GRP) achievements, including the swift recovery of a kidnapped child from Tundla railway station within just 24 hours, demonstrating effective response capabilities in critical situations.
Additional Director General (WCSO) Padmaja Chauhan called for further strengthening of AHTUs, increased utilization of digital tools in investigations, and a crackdown on illegal agents operating both within India and abroad. She specifically flagged the rising use of digital platforms by trafficking networks to recruit and exploit victims, presenting new challenges for law enforcement.
Border Coordination and Joint Operations
Inspector General of SSB Lucknow Frontier, Ratna Sanjay, shared details of successful joint operations conducted in six districts along the Nepal border with support from UP Police and various non-governmental organizations. These collaborative efforts demonstrate the importance of multi-agency coordination in disrupting trafficking networks that operate across jurisdictional boundaries.
The comprehensive workshop underscored Uttar Pradesh's commitment to addressing human trafficking through enhanced institutional capacity, inter-agency cooperation, and recognition of frontline personnel working to combat this grave human rights violation.
