Human trafficking racket busted in Telangana’s Asifabad exposes deep-rooted menace

A human trafficking racket in Asifabad targeting tribal women has been busted, exposing a widespread and long-standing network. Victims were lured or sold under false promises of marriage, trafficked to northern States, and subjected to abuse and exploitation

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: The recent busting of a human trafficking racket in Kumram Bheem Asifabad district has exposed a long-standing and deeply entrenched network targeting vulnerable tribal communities in the region.

Police arrested eight persons, including a police constable and five women from various parts of this district and Madhya Pradesh, on June 20 on charges of human trafficking.

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Authorities seized six mobile phones, Rs 50,000 in cash, and a motorbike from the accused. Two more suspects from Madhya Pradesh, who were absconding, were also apprehended on Friday.

The accused confessed to selling two tribal girls from the district to individuals and sex racket organisers in Madhya Pradesh for Rs 1.30 lakh and Rs 1.10 lakh, respectively. They lured the girls under the pretext of marriage. One of the victims managed to escape from the traffickers and approached the Asifabad police, leading to the bust.

“Gullible girls, single women, and widows from tribal communities in remote areas of this district and Mahabubnagar are being targeted. They are trafficked to brothels and also forced into marriage with men from elite families in the northern States of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab. The offenders make quick money through these operations,” a police officer said.

Investigations suggest that the traffickers often entice parents, particularly those from financially poor tribal families or with more than three daughters, by offering them cash. In some cases, girls and women were reportedly kidnapped. Police believe the racket has been operating unchecked for several years due to underreporting of such crimes.

Victims, after being taken to unfamiliar environments, struggle to communicate due to language and cultural differences. Many are subjected to domestic violence by husbands and in-laws, but hesitate to report the abuse due to the fear of legal complications and the absence of a support system.

Officials have expressed concern over the scale and silence surrounding the issue, calling for increased awareness, protection mechanisms, and robust enforcement to safeguard tribal women from exploitation.