Trafficking of poor girls under the garb of marriage; <br> Reports sought from West Bengal, Maharashtra DGPs

New Delhi, 7 October 2004
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo-motu cognizance based on a newspaper report of trafficking of innocent girls from economically/socially backward sections of society into flesh trade under the garb of marriage. The news story captioned "Wed a girl to sell her off" appeared in a national daily dated 28 September 2004 wherein it was alleged that a trafficking racket was busted when one Tikas Saha of Krishnanagar was nabbed by the officers of the Detective Department of Sealdah Hotel in West Bengal. It was also reported that the accused used to lure innocent minor girls into marriage and thereafter sell them into brothels in Pune and Mumbai for a price ranging between Rs.20,000 to 40,000. It was stated that Tikas Saha has reportedly confessed to selling off of 8 minors to brothels in Pune and Mumbai.
Observing that the news report raises a serious issue of violation of women's right i.e. the illegal trafficking of innocent girls into flesh trade under the garb of marriage, which requires to be addressed promptly, Dr. Justice A.S. Anand, Chairperson of the Commission has directed that a copy of the news item be sent to the Director General of Police, West Bengal as well as the Director General of Police, Maharashtra to look into the allegations and submit their comments within two weeks.
********