CBI sets up anti-human trafficking unit

The Central Bureau of Investigation has set up an anti-human trafficking unit at its headquarters here to conduct operations against women and child traffickers and to also deal with kidnapping cases.

"This unit will be responsible for collecting, collating and analysing data on kidnapping and abduction of persons from all over India.

"The unit will also develop actionable intelligence to conduct operations against gangs involved in trafficking, especially of children and women for the purpose of exploitation, such as beggary and prostitution," a CBI statement said.

Any person giving information leading to arrest and criminal action against such trafficking gangs would be rewarded upto Rs two lakh, the agency added.

The 'Special crime' unit would also liaise with Non-Government Organisations involved in this field. The agency also activated a helpline number(011-24368638) on which any person having inputs about gangs and syndicates operating in this domain can give information.

The government has already designated all police officers of the rank of Inspector and above in CBI as "Trafficking Police Officers" to exercise powers of investigation under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and other laws dealing with sexual exploitation of persons.

(With inputs from agencies)