THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, January 27: The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the trafficking of girls from remote rural areas of the state to Saudi Arabia and other countries, where they are allegedly subjected to mental and physical abuse. The court orally observed that the state government must take concrete and strict measures to rescue such girls and curb human trafficking.
The court also stressed the need to create awareness at the panchayat and village levels about the activities of human traffickers and the methods used to lure victims.
Senior Officials Appear Before Court
During the hearing, Home Secretary Vandana Dadel and the Inspector General of Police, South Chotanagpur Zone, appeared online before a division bench comprising Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice A.K. Rai.
The bench questioned whether the state government has framed any guidelines to monitor itinerant persons coming to Jharkhand from other states under the pretext of business, which the court indicated could be misused for trafficking activities.
Government May Frame Guidelines
Responding to the court’s query, the Home Secretary said that under fundamental rights, no person can be prevented from moving freely from one state to another. However, she added that the state government can formulate appropriate guidelines to regulate and monitor such movements.
The High Court directed the Home Secretary to appear again online on February 25 and apprise it of the steps taken.
SIT Report Sought in Gumla Missing Girl Case
The court also sought the report of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted in connection with the case of a missing six-year-old girl from Gumla. The SIT report has been directed to be placed before the court at the next hearing on February 11.
Additional Advocate General Sachin Kumar represented the Jharkhand government during the hearing.
Hearing on Habeas Corpus Petition Continues
The case pertains to a habeas corpus petition filed by Chandramuni Urain, the mother of the minor girl who has been missing since September 2018. The High Court had earlier summoned the Home Secretary in connection with the matter, and the hearing is ongoing.
