Bhubaneswar, Oct 24: In a decisive move to combat human trafficking, Odisha is aiming to become a model state through the strategic use of technology and coordinated institutional efforts. Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania announced this vision while inaugurating a state-level workshop on human trafficking in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

ଆଜି ପୋଲିସ ଭବନ ଠାରେ ରାଜ୍ୟ ଆରକ୍ଷୀ ମହାନିର୍ଦ୍ଦେଶକ ଶ୍ରୀ ଯୋଗେଶ ବାହାଦୁର ଖୁରାନିଆ “ମାନବ ଚୋରା ଚାଲାଣ ସମ୍ପର୍କିତ ଏକ ରାଜ୍ୟସ୍ତରୀୟ ସମ୍ମିଳନୀ”କୁ ଉଦଘାଟନ କରିଛନ୍ତି । ଏହି ଅବସରରେ ସାମ୍ପ୍ରତିକ ପରିସ୍ଥିତିରେ ମାନବ ଚାଲାଣ କେବଳ ଓଡିଶା ପାଇଁ ନୁହେଁ, ସମଗ୍ର ଦେଶ ପାଇଁ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଗୁରୁତ୍ୱପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଏବଂ ଚିନ୍ତାଜନକ ବିଷୟ ବୋଲି… pic.twitter.com/DcTKHk4UWZ
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DGP Khurania emphasized that human trafficking is not just a criminal offense but a grave violation of human rights, particularly affecting women, children, and youth. “It deprives individuals of dignity, freedom, and future,” he said, adding that Odisha has witnessed cases of sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic child labour, and trafficking under false pretenses of employment or marriage.

To dismantle trafficking networks, the Odisha Police plan to leverage advanced tools such as digital tracking, data analytics, and real-time monitoring. Khurania highlighted the critical role of Integrated Anti-Human Trafficking Units (IAHTUs) and District Labour Officers, calling IAHTU officials the backbone of investigation and victim rescue operations.

The state police intend to strengthen IAHTUs by augmenting manpower, offering specialized training, and enhancing technical capabilities. Coordination with other states is also being prioritized to ensure cross-border effectiveness in curbing trafficking.

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Khurania urged all stakeholders—including the judiciary, police, women and child welfare departments, labour officials, NGOs, and civil society—to work together in transforming Odisha into a national benchmark for anti-trafficking efforts.

Under its special initiative ‘Operation Anweshan’, the Odisha Police have already rescued 1,209 children, including 1,078 girls and 131 boys, showcasing the impact of focused intervention.

This multi-pronged approach aligns with Odisha’s broader commitment to human rights and social justice, setting a precedent for other states to follow.

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