Flood-hit Bihar may fall into trafficking trap

Even as people grapple with the tragedy of being displaced by the floods in Bihar, there is a silent disaster that is unfolding.

With a large number of people migrating to Delhi and other cities, NGOs and activists warn that trafficking of women and children is likely to see an upsurge.

Of the 3.3 million people that have been affected, an estimated 42% are below 18 years. Activists say this is the most vulnerable group, prone to being misled into commercial sex work or bonded labour by middlemen on the pretext of providing help.

Statistics by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) show that 89 cases of trafficking were registered in 2004, a 93.5% increase since 2003. Significantly, of the 89 cases, 35 — the second highest — were from Bihar.

Despite mounting vigilance, there has been little success in rescuing women and children in the past two weeks.