NCRB data shows Telangana tops in human trafficking cases, conviction rate remains low

Telangana registered the highest number of human trafficking cases in the country in 2024, according to NCRB data. While police rescued 812 persons during anti-trafficking operations, the conviction rate remained poor, with only two convictions recorded in cases that reached courts

Hyderabad: Telangana stands at the top in busting human trafficking rackets in the country while, at the same time, the conviction rate in such cases remains poor.

According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics, Telangana Police registered 423 cases of human trafficking in 2024. Maharashtra followed with 337 cases and Andhra Pradesh with 159 cases.

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Telangana Police rescued 812 persons during anti-human trafficking raids in the State in 2024. The number of people rescued was also the highest compared to many other States and Union Territories in the country.

Among those rescued were 756 women from various States in India, followed by six Bangladeshi women, one Nepali woman and 27 others from various countries, including South African nations. A total of 770 women were trafficked for forced prostitution in the State, the NCRB data revealed.

After every rescue, a case is registered at the local police station and the suspects are arrested and remanded to judicial custody.

However, the disturbing fact is the lack of seriousness when it comes to ensuring the conviction of the accused involved in human trafficking. Police filed charge sheets against 1,010 persons arrested in the 423 cases registered.

However, only two persons were convicted in the cases that reached the courts, while 108 persons were acquitted. The conviction rate, according to NCRB data, is just 1.9 per cent in human trafficking cases.

The poor conviction rate in human trafficking cases is emboldening organised trafficking networks to continue their activities. There is also a demand for opening rowdy sheets against organisers arrested in PITA and child kidnapping cases for regular monitoring.