After 7,004 crimes against children in 2016, WB gears up
The latest data of National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) revealed that West Bengal had registered 7,004 crimes against children in 2016, the fifth highest in the country. Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 15% of all crimes, followed by Maharashtra (14%), MP (13%), Delhi (8%) and WB (6%). To combat the situation, the West Bengal government has joined hands with some NGOs.
Nearly 20 crimes committed every day in WB
West Bengal shows upward trend in crimes related to kidnapping, child trafficking and sexual offences against children. These offences made 90% of crimes against children in the state. Nearly 20 crimes are committed against children every day in the state. Of 7,004 recorded crimes, 4,178 were registered under kidnapping and human trafficking from neighboring countries while 2,132 were booked under POCSO Act.
WB registers 53.3% crime in trafficking of minors for prostitution
WB topped the list in trafficking of minors for prostitution at 53.3% (highest in the country), registering a rise of 17% from 2012 to 2016. The trafficking of minor girls overall stood at 27%, second highest in India, thus registering a growth of 47.7% from 2012 to 2016. In kidnapping and abduction together, the state recorded 6.6%, fifth highest in India.
Kolkata only witness 5% of total crimes in West Bengal
West Bengal also records 6% crimes under POCSO, fourth highest in the country. However, only about 5% of crimes in the state are committed in capital Kolkata. But the city records high trafficking of girls from foreign countries (40% of total trafficking in WB from neighboring countries), and trafficking of minors for prostitution (16% of such crimes in WB).
Reasons behind increase in child trafficking
Speaking about the socio-economic reasons behind child trafficking, Atindra Nath Das, Regional Director, CRY-Child Rights and You (East) said, "Abject poverty, coupled with sheer lack of livelihood, lure of money to poor parents and the expectation that their child will stay better among others accentuates the problem." The state's geographic location and porous border also increases the vulnerabilities of children, he said.
How the crimes can be prevented in the state?
Das believes that these crimes can be prevented. "To achieve this, the most important step is to strengthen the existing safety-net for protection of children, and also to bring forth an overall protective environment for them, both in letter and spirit," he said. Officials in the state said that police were now acting tough with the instruction of the state government.
