Child trafficking and exploitation continue to haunt the remote villages of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. A recent investigation by India Today’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has revealed the unsettling reality that lies just beneath the surface.

The India Today investigative team travelled to Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, uncovering a grim tale of girls’ innocence traded for monetary gain amidst relentless poverty.

Disturbing Revelations

In Rajasthan’s Ramnagar village, an undercover journalist met Lakhan, a middleman in this abhorrent trade. Lakhan openly offered to introduce the journalists to young girls, enabling negotiations with their parents.

Disguised Transactions

These transactions often masquerade as formal contracts, presenting the girls as singers and dancers for hotels and restaurants. However, the reality is far more sinister, with exploitation lurking behind the scenes.

Families Complicit in Trafficking

The investigation further revealed that parents are sometimes complicit in this sinister trade. Tano, a mother from Adalwara, offered two of her daughters for sale to fund her house construction, while in Jaisinghpura village, Ravi, an uncle, was ready to sell his underage nieces.

Dark Side of Madhya Pradesh

The India Today team also ventured into Madhya Pradesh, where Vijay in Borkhedi village proposed exchanging his 16-year-old sister for a monthly sum. The deal would be cleverly masked as a loan agreement on paper.

Hidden Desperation

In Bardia village, Bablu introduced a minor girl as a family member, hinting at more “like her” being available for sale. Similarly, at Pipliya Jodha village, Kiran offered her niece for a monthly fee.

Alarming Statistics

These revelations highlight the persistent issue of child trafficking in India. In 2021, the country reported 59,544 cases of missing minor girls, a 30.8% increase from the previous year. Human trafficking cases surged to 2,189, with 2,877 victims being children.

In a stark reminder of the harsh reality faced by many, this investigation serves as a poignant call to action. It is a solemn reflection on the desperate measures families take in the face of poverty, unwittingly contributing to the perpetuation of this heinous trade.

Credits : India Today

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