External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that Punjab has emerged as the state with the highest number of human trafficking cases in the country. During the question hour, the minister provided detailed insights into the scale of trafficking, investigations underway, and the institutional mechanisms deployed both at the state and national levels to curb these crimes. His remarks highlighted the seriousness of the issue, the growing involvement of illegal travel agents, and the collaborative efforts required to dismantle trafficking networks operating across multiple states.

Jaishankar revealed that the Punjab government had taken significant steps to confront the alarming rise in trafficking cases. It has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) along with a dedicated fact-finding committee to examine trafficking complaints and track the operations of illegal agents who lure individuals abroad through fraudulent promises. According to data shared by the state with the central government, 25 First Information Reports have been registered so far against 58 illegal travel agents. Among these, 16 individuals have already been arrested, marking the early results of the intensified crackdown. The focus, Jaishankar noted, is not only on prosecuting individual agents but also on exposing the larger ecosystem that enables such offences.

While Punjab registered the highest number of trafficking cases, Jaishankar clarified that the issue is not confined to any single state. Haryana, for instance, has also recorded a substantial number of incidents. Providing specific figures, he said that 2,325 trafficking-related cases had been registered in the state of Haryana. Additionally, 44 FIRs were filed, and 27 people were arrested for their involvement. He mentioned that one major trafficker operating within the state had also been apprehended recently, demonstrating the success of targeted investigations.

Similarly, the minister pointed to the state of Gujarat, where law enforcement authorities have arrested a prominent trafficker. This indicates the spread of trafficking operations across various regions and underscores the importance of coordinated efforts among states. The trafficking networks, Jaishankar emphasized, often operate across borders, exploiting gaps in legal frameworks, administrative coordination, and international mobility. These challenges require sustained attention from all levels of the government.

Responding to a question on deportations by the United States, the minister highlighted the role of national agencies in tackling the issue from a broader perspective. The National Investigation Agency, which was assigned an anti-human trafficking division a few years ago, now operates with a clear mandate to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases involving cross-border criminal networks. Jaishankar informed the House that the NIA had registered and investigated 27 human trafficking cases so far. These investigations have resulted in 169 arrests, and chargesheets have been filed against 132 individuals. According to him, these numbers demonstrate the agency’s active engagement and growing effectiveness in tackling organized trafficking operations.

The minister further elaborated on the NIA’s recent activities. On August 7, the agency arrested two key traffickers operating in Haryana and Punjab. Later, on October 2, two more traffickers were apprehended in Himachal Pradesh. These arrests, he said, reveal the scale and complexity of trafficking networks and the need for continued vigilance. The NIA’s involvement ensures that investigations are pursued beyond the state level, especially when cases span multiple jurisdictions or involve international elements.

State governments have also intensified their efforts to curb trafficking. Many states have launched independent investigations, strengthened law enforcement coordination, and engaged in awareness campaigns to educate vulnerable populations. Trafficking often thrives on misinformation and the exploitation of aspirations, especially among youth seeking overseas employment. Illegal travel agents capitalize on these ambitions by offering fraudulent opportunities, misleading victims with promises of work, education, or migration, only to trap them in exploitative situations abroad. The government, Jaishankar noted, is working to counter these tactics by enforcing stricter regulations on travel agents and ensuring better oversight of migration processes.

During the parliamentary discussion, Jaishankar emphasized that human trafficking is a complex, multi-layered problem requiring long-term, sustained intervention. The trafficking ecosystem often includes illegal travel agents, document forgers, middlemen, and overseas handlers who collectively facilitate the movement of individuals through unauthorized routes. The minister underlined the importance of stronger international cooperation, especially in the context of rising deportations and the increasing scrutiny of irregular migration patterns. The Indian government is engaging with foreign authorities and international agencies to ensure better tracking of traffickers and protection for victims.

He also stressed the need for heightened public awareness. Many trafficking victims fall prey to false assurances due to a lack of information and the pressure of economic desperation. Strengthening awareness at the grassroots level is essential, particularly in states such as Punjab and Haryana, where aspirations for overseas employment are high and recruitment agents often exploit this demand. Awareness programs, coupled with stricter enforcement, are crucial in reducing vulnerability among potential migrants.

Moreover, Jaishankar’s comments highlighted the importance of continuously updating investigative strategies. With trafficking operations becoming more sophisticated and technology-driven, law enforcement agencies must stay ahead by improving intelligence gathering, surveillance, and inter-agency coordination. The establishment of dedicated units within state police departments and the expansion of NIA’s mandate are steps in this direction.

The minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to combating human trafficking through a multi-pronged approach involving law enforcement, legal reforms, interstate collaboration, international partnerships, and community-level engagement. The data shared in Parliament underscored the significance of treating trafficking not merely as a law-and-order issue, but as a human rights concern that requires comprehensive institutional response.

The session highlighted the pressing need for sustained efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and protect vulnerable citizens across the country. Punjab’s alarming position at the top of the list serves as a reminder of the urgency of the challenge, but the broader nationwide trends also underline that trafficking remains a widespread problem demanding collective attention.