PANAJI
While Maharashtra has emerged as the largest source state for trafficking victims of commercial sexual exploitation in Goa, girls/women from Pune’s Budhwar Peth red-light area are frequently traded to Mapusa market and other parts of North Goa for the illegal activity.
The revelation was made by NGO ARZ (Anyay Rahit Zindagi) at a consultation in Pune, where the findings of its report, “Report on Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Goa – Situation and Intervention (2019–2024),” were presented.
During the consultation, ARZ founder Arun Pandey shared information about the phenomenon of trafficking from Pune to Goa, giving details of the modus operandi, profiles of victims, details of traffickers, and the trafficking route.
“Maharashtra is the largest source state for trafficking victims to Goa, with Pune identified as a key source district. Budhwar Peth, Pune’s red-light area, was found to be a hub for trafficking, where women and girls are often lured under the pretence of contract-based work and later trafficked to Goa for commercial sexual exploitation at Mapusa market and different parts of North Goa,” reads the report.
ARZ also emphasised the urgent need for collaboration between government and non-government agencies in Pune, Maharashtra, and Goa to identify vulnerable individuals and groups and prevent their trafficking.
It also sought action against traffickers in Pune, to assist in home investigations; provide rehabilitation and livelihood opportunities to victims rescued in Goa; strengthen protection mechanisms to safeguard victims and their families from further exploitation; and provide legal counselling, assistance during trials, and support to families.
Deputy Commissioner, Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD), Maharashtra, Suresh Tele, urged all agencies to actively address the issues discussed during the consultation and provide the necessary support and interventions to combat sex trafficking from Pune to Goa.
Pandey said that around 85 service providers who attended the consultation assured that they would work together with ARZ and other agencies in Goa to combat sex trafficking from Pune to Goa.
