Human trafficking making life unsafe in Jalpaiguri

EOI, Jalpaiguri: According to the latest statistical data presented by the Jalpaiguri crime record bureau, human trafficking is increasing rapidly in the district making life unsafe for the young generation. If minor girls are being eluded with false hopes of marriage, young boys are being attracted with fake job offers. The regions in and around the tea estates are the worst affected, said the report.

The district police and voluntary organisations of the region have said the blocks under Malbazar and Alipurduar sub-divisions are no exception. It has been observed the BPL population fall easy prey to traffickers. Jalpaiguri child line advisor Sanjay Chakraborty said young girls are sent to various states and sometimes outside the country to serve as domestic helps, but are often sold in the red light areas.

The district crime record bureau data claims 39 male and 172 female kidnapping cases were reported in 2010, while in 2011 the record was 35 males and 205 females. Male kidnapping cases rose to 57 and that of females reached 231 by 2012. Representatives of the police administration believe the 2013 report could show even higher numbers. This year, the kidnappers are reportedly targeting the unemployed section of closed tea estates.

Jalpaiguri police superintendent Amit Subhalgi said two kidnappers were arrested from the Banarhat region in 2012 and that the police is trying its best to stop human trafficking.