Mapusa: In a bid to tackle immoral trafficking in Mapusa, Bardez Deputy Collector-I Kabir Shirgaonkar held a joint meeting with stakeholders on Friday, urging strict action against those involved, including pimps.
The police have been directed to closely monitor public areas like markets and bus stands, and to identify commercial establishments such as hotels that may be used for such activities.
Shirgaonkar emphasised the need for coordinated efforts between police, local bodies, market committees, and the media to combat immoral trafficking, which he warned could have a detrimental effect on youth. He called for swift and strict action to address the issue.
The meeting, held at the Deputy Collector’s office, was attended by Bardez Mamlatdar Anant Malik, Mapusa Municipal Council Chief Officer Chandrakant Shetkar, Mapusa PI Nikhil Palyekar, and representatives from NGO ARZ, including Ashish Navgvenkar, Arunendra Pandey, and Juliana Lohar. The discussion focused on the issue of women soliciting customers near the Mapusa bus stand and municipal market area.
Shirgaonkar stated that the problem is serious and requires immediate attention, especially given the presence of schools and young people in the area. He assured that women rescued as victims would be referred to protective homes.
He also announced that authorities would take a vigilant and stringent approach in the coming days, with clear instructions to police to identify victims as per the law.
NGO ARZ will also assist in counselling the victims to help them exit such activities.
