Chief minister Pramod Sawant says united effort required to combat sex trafficking in Goa

Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said that Goa requires a united effort to combat sex trafficking as it is an inter-state issue.
“Only through the collaboration between the law enforcement agency, policy makers and civil society can build the robust network needed to combat trafficking in all its forms,” he said during a function here by NGO Arz (Anyay Rahit Zindagi), in collaboration with Goa State Women’s Commission for the international consultation of govt and non-govt agencies from source countries and source states in India to combat sex trafficking in Goa.
Sawant said that the state agencies, including law enforcement and social services, are committed to transforming Goa into a place where traffickers find no refuge and victims receive protection, justice and hope.
“The focus is on rescuing victims without bias or discrimination, ensuring that they receive immediate care and, equally important, is long-term support for rehabilitation and reunification with their families,” he said.
The chief minister said that govt will thoroughly examine all the suggestions presented during the consultation and collaborate closely with central govt and international organisations to ensure that Goa becomes the safest place for women and children.
Earlier, inspector general of police (IGP) Omvir Singh Bishnoi said that Goa needs to ensure that the coastal belt doesn’t become a hub for the traffickers and the victims.
The IGP said that the Covid pandemic has exacerbated the situation, with traffickers now focusing on women who became unemployed during this period. The loss of jobs has made these women more vulnerable to exploitation by trafficking networks, he said.
Arz president Arun Pandey said 75 rescue operations were conducted in Goa between June 2019 and July 2024. During these operations, 172 girls and women were rescued, primarily from various states of India. “Around 124 traffickers including 31 female traffickers linked to these operations were arrested,” he said.
Pandey said that the highest number of rescues, totalling 14, took place in Calangute. The second-highest number of rescues occurred in Panaji, with the rescue of 7 sex trade victims. Arpora and Vagator each saw 7 individuals being rescued from the sex trade as well. “49% of the rescued victims were in the age group of 18-25 years and 42% were in the age group of 26-35 years.”