Anti-Human Trafficking Day Observed in Gadag with Awareness and Legal Education Drive

GADAG

Raising concern over the persistent threat of human trafficking, Gadag observed Anti-Human Trafficking Day with an awareness and legal education programme aimed at sensitising the public and officials about the need to combat exploitation.

District and Sessions Judge and Chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority, Nagaveni, inaugurated the event and described human trafficking as a grave crime involving the movement of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for exploitation. “Women, children, and marginalised communities are the most vulnerable. Trafficking is a scourge that must be uprooted through collective vigilance and legal action,” she stressed.

Judge Nagaveni also highlighted the dangers of foreign nationals marrying local girls for financial gain, urging strict control over such practices. She further stated that public awareness and citizen responsibility are key to dismantling trafficking networks.

Deputy Commissioner C.N. Sridhar described human trafficking as “the most heinous and inhumane crime,” and called for school-level awareness and education initiatives to prevent it. “Group action and early intervention can help prevent such social evils,” he said.

The programme also featured lectures by Assistant Legal Guardian Gururaj Gowri and Gadag Civil Police’s M.F. Asuti. An oath against human trafficking was administered to participants to reinforce public commitment to prevention.

Among those present were DySP Mahantesh Sajjanara, DLSA Member Secretary CS Shivanagoudra, ZP CEO S Bharat, and officials from the Social Welfare and Women and Child Development Departments.

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Judge Nagaveni emphasized that human trafficking also includes illegal organ trade and the public must stay vigilant. She urged people to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station and educate themselves on anti-trafficking laws.