July 31, 2026
‘Pressured to recite religious verses, eat beef’: Kanpur teen alleges abduction, confinement to force conversion; one arrested | India News

‘Pressured to recite religious verses, eat beef’: Kanpur teen alleges abduction, confinement to force conversion; one arrested | India News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: A 17-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur has alleged that she was abducted, confined for nearly a week and subjected to physical torture in an attempt to force her to convert her religion, police said on Sunday.According to a complaint filed by the girl’s family in Rawatpur, she left home on June 21…

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‘No better than Rs 370 biryani’: Netizens slam Samay Raina over ‘kandha dega tabhi woh…’ remark: ‘Vasoolunga toh sahi’

‘No better than Rs 370 biryani’: Netizens slam Samay Raina over ‘kandha dega tabhi woh…’ remark: ‘Vasoolunga toh sahi’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Comedian Samay Raina has returned with the second season of ‘India’s Got Latent’, with the first episode featuring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari as celebrity guests. While the show’s comeback has generated excitement, an old clip from one of its 2024 episodes has resurfaced online, triggering fresh criticism.The viral video has once again sparked conversations around…

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Putin admits ‘problems’ as Ukraine ramps up attacks deep inside Russia

Putin admits ‘problems’ as Ukraine ramps up attacks deep inside Russia

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Putin’s remarks came as Ukraine continued one of its most sustained campaigns of long-range drone attacks since the war began more than four years ago. Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that Russia is facing “problems” as Ukraine intensifies its long-range attacks deep inside Russian territory, while insisting that Moscow will secure its borders and…

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Anant Ambani offering prayers TIRUMALA: Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries, offered prayers at the sacred hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala during the early hours of Sunday. Ambani arrived in Tirumala at around 1am and fulfilled the centuries-old tradition of offering his hair to Lord Venkateswara Swamy. Later, he proceeded to Tirupati to offer prayers at the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple before concluding his spiritual visit.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKetan Agarwal Murder Probe Enters Crucial Phase As Police Recreate Crime Scene At Lohagad Fort‘Look Inwards’: India Rejects Pakistan’s ‘Baseless’ Karachi Attack AllegationsPM Modi Thanks Citizens for Cutting Fuel Use, Postponing Gold Purchases Amid West Asia Crisis’Visit Ram Temple, Do Penance’: Yogi Adityanath Attacks Akhilesh Yadav Amid Donation Row | AyodhyaDelhi-Varanasi Bullet Train To Cut Delhi-Lucknow Travel Time To 2 Hours 10 Minutes: Ashwini VaishnawMahua Moitra’s Explosive Attack Over Ram Mandir Donation Row| ’70 KG Silver, 1,250 KG Gold Missing?’Mumbai Police Foil Alleged Mass Poisoning Bid at Muharram Procession; 14,900 Toxic Capsules SeizedCong Seeks Bigger Role in UP Alliance; New In-Charge’s ‘Equal Share’ Pitch Raises Stakes: ReportsBharat Taxi Rolls Out as India’s First Cooperative Cab Service; 500-City Expansion PlannedSix Op Sindoor Personnel Honoured; Opposition Questions Rajnath Singh’s Parliament Remarks123PhotostoriesMinimalist suit looks from Bano’s closet from the Pakistani series ‘Zanjeerein’ that are perfect for festivities and beyondFeeling stressed? A psychologist shares 3 quick ways to calm yourselfWhy beauty experts are warning against the viral ‘no-hair-brushing’ hair-fall hackHow to make high-protein Desi Ghee Paneer Fried Rice for dinnerPsychology says people are being emotionally bankrupt and don’t even know: Philosopher explains howQuote of the day by Kangana Ranaut: ‘What you do and what you are is more important than who you marry’Single or married? Scientists discover rare link between marital status and cancer riskThree- two- three: The magical relationship rule that Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas swear by to keep their marriage strongPsychology says women who retain their surname after marriage may have these 7 common personality traitsForget overnight oats! Try these 6 traditional Indian porridges for breakfast123Hot PicksChinese proverb of the dayJapanese Proverb Of The DayErling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Combined Net worthFIFA world cup 2026Rams FanRam Temple DonationNigerian Proverb of the dayUS Strike on IranKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingK BhagyarajMumbai Local Train DeathRam Temple Donation RowFIFA World Cup 2026NFL TradeUS Iran CeasefirePriyanka GandhiSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News

Anant Ambani offering prayers TIRUMALA: Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries, offered prayers at the sacred hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala during the early hours of Sunday. Ambani arrived in Tirumala at around 1am and fulfilled the centuries-old tradition of offering his hair to Lord Venkateswara Swamy. Later, he proceeded to Tirupati to offer prayers at the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple before concluding his spiritual visit.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKetan Agarwal Murder Probe Enters Crucial Phase As Police Recreate Crime Scene At Lohagad Fort‘Look Inwards’: India Rejects Pakistan’s ‘Baseless’ Karachi Attack AllegationsPM Modi Thanks Citizens for Cutting Fuel Use, Postponing Gold Purchases Amid West Asia Crisis’Visit Ram Temple, Do Penance’: Yogi Adityanath Attacks Akhilesh Yadav Amid Donation Row | AyodhyaDelhi-Varanasi Bullet Train To Cut Delhi-Lucknow Travel Time To 2 Hours 10 Minutes: Ashwini VaishnawMahua Moitra’s Explosive Attack Over Ram Mandir Donation Row| ’70 KG Silver, 1,250 KG Gold Missing?’Mumbai Police Foil Alleged Mass Poisoning Bid at Muharram Procession; 14,900 Toxic Capsules SeizedCong Seeks Bigger Role in UP Alliance; New In-Charge’s ‘Equal Share’ Pitch Raises Stakes: ReportsBharat Taxi Rolls Out as India’s First Cooperative Cab Service; 500-City Expansion PlannedSix Op Sindoor Personnel Honoured; Opposition Questions Rajnath Singh’s Parliament Remarks123PhotostoriesMinimalist suit looks from Bano’s closet from the Pakistani series ‘Zanjeerein’ that are perfect for festivities and beyondFeeling stressed? A psychologist shares 3 quick ways to calm yourselfWhy beauty experts are warning against the viral ‘no-hair-brushing’ hair-fall hackHow to make high-protein Desi Ghee Paneer Fried Rice for dinnerPsychology says people are being emotionally bankrupt and don’t even know: Philosopher explains howQuote of the day by Kangana Ranaut: ‘What you do and what you are is more important than who you marry’Single or married? Scientists discover rare link between marital status and cancer riskThree- two- three: The magical relationship rule that Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas swear by to keep their marriage strongPsychology says women who retain their surname after marriage may have these 7 common personality traitsForget overnight oats! Try these 6 traditional Indian porridges for breakfast123Hot PicksChinese proverb of the dayJapanese Proverb Of The DayErling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Combined Net worthFIFA world cup 2026Rams FanRam Temple DonationNigerian Proverb of the dayUS Strike on IranKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingK BhagyarajMumbai Local Train DeathRam Temple Donation RowFIFA World Cup 2026NFL TradeUS Iran CeasefirePriyanka GandhiSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Anant Ambani offering prayers TIRUMALA: Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries, offered prayers at the sacred hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala during the early hours of Sunday. Ambani arrived in Tirumala at around 1am and fulfilled the centuries-old tradition of offering his hair to Lord Venkateswara Swamy. Later, he proceeded to Tirupati…

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Aishwarya Rai ‘hid it really well’ after breakup with Salman Khan, recalls Shabd co-star Sadiya Siddiqui: ‘She always came fully prepared’

Aishwarya Rai ‘hid it really well’ after breakup with Salman Khan, recalls Shabd co-star Sadiya Siddiqui: ‘She always came fully prepared’

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Aishwarya Rai ‘hid it really well’ after breakup with Salman Khan, recalls Shabd co-star Sadiya Siddiqui (Image credits: Instagram) Sadiya Siddiqui has looked back on working with Aishwarya Rai in the 2005 film Shabd, recalling how the actor remained composed and professional despite going through one of the most turbulent phases of her personal life…

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‘Indian H1-B holders are not…’: Immigration lawyer says waiting on green cards for years is pushing professionals towards UK

‘Indian H1-B holders are not…’: Immigration lawyer says waiting on green cards for years is pushing professionals towards UK

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Why are Indian professionals opting for UK instead of US? As uncertainty over the future of H-1B visa continues in US, more highly skilled professionals are looking at the United Kingdom as a back-up plan without giving up on their American ambitions, according to Indian-origin immigration lawyer Yash Dubal.Dubal, CEO and director of London-based A…

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AI-generated image Saleya (name changed), a victim of domestic violence and sexual abuse, was forced into the sex trade by a woman from her own village. She had just returned to her parental home after escaping an abusive marriage, and was looking for work. The woman deceived her with the promise of domestic work in Mumbai and sold her at the Falkland Road Red-Light Area for Rs. 1,00,000.While working at the red-light area, she gave birth to a girl. Later, she met a man in Akluj and built a family with him. However, her happiness did not last long. She had to leave as her partner was an alcoholic and unfaithful. She kept moving between Tuljapur, Akluj, and Mumbai, working hard to care for her children independently. She sought institutional help and kept on juggling between several rehabilitation centres while she trained to be a beautician. In 2025, when she discovered that she was pregnant again, she shifted to a Mumbai shelter for survivors of human trafficking.”I do not wish to go back to my family. They do not even know about my present situation. I have learned a skill here and wish to earn money while taking care of children on my own,” Saleya said.Udaan House is Saleya’s new address, which she now shares with 5 other women whose lives followed a similar storyline before they were rescued and rehabilitated. Varsha Kamble, working as a project manager at the shelter, said that most of the survivors she rescued were either living in poverty, looking for a stable source of livelihood or were emotionally manipulated by their lovers. Traffickers lured them with false promises of education, financial stability, love and a better life, and when they started trusting them, they were pushed into the sex trade.What data reveals‘Crime in India Report’, released in May by the National Crime Bureau, registered a modest decline of 3.3% in human trafficking cases from 6,043 in 2023 to 5,839 in 2024.However, what lies under this muted achievement is a dark reality revealing the grave situation of women’s safety in India. The report documented that a staggering 40% of human trafficking cases were committed for the purpose of prostitution. And when mapped against the data over five years, it is revealed that the number of cases surged significantly from 2022 to 2024.Maharashtra accounted for the highest number of cases at 829, followed by Telangana (770), Andhra Pradesh (279), and Bihar (97). This is not the first time these states sit at the centre of this crisis, together accounting for a majority of the cases nationally. Maharashtra has led the country in human trafficking cases committed for the purpose of prostitution since 2017.Growing proportion of human trafficking cases involving sexual exploitation for prostitution. Bottlenecks in the anti-trafficking frameworkTaking note of the gaps in the existing protection and support efforts for the survivors of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment on March 30 and constituted a nationwide “Victim Protection Plan”. The proceedings had begun with a PIL filed by anti-trafficking NGO Prajwala in 2004. Invoking its powers under Articles 32 and 142 of the Constitution, a bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan issued a detailed set of binding directions constituting a nationwide “Victim Protection Plan” covering rescue operations, identification, rehabilitation and prosecution.“The lack of a Victim Protection Plan is a serious lacuna that carries the risk of derailing any and all rescue efforts, as there is no clear, guiding, and binding framework for how victims are to be handled, both during and after rescue,” the judgment stated as reported by Bar and Bench.The Plan also sets out detailed operational standards for Anti human-trafficking units (AHTUs) and rescue teams. Units must be led by a DSP-rank officer and have at least two women police officers, with a cybercrime officer included wherever feasible. States are required to notify AHTUs as police stations for their entire district, granting them the jurisdiction to register and investigate trafficking cases. Each unit must maintain a database which has to be updated every month and covers traffickers, victims, and vulnerable communities, with the information moving up to the State Anti-Trafficking Bureau and from there to the NCRB.However, there exists a major schism between the establishment, maintenance and operation of AHT units ordered by the authority and their implementation on the ground.In 2019, a scheme to set up AHTs across all districts was launched by the ministry of home affairs and funded under the Nirbhaya Fund. The intent was to provide every district in the country with a dedicated unit equipped to detect, investigate, and respond to human trafficking cases. While states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal have succeeded in achieving this goal, the implementation has been uneven. Several states continue to have a number of functional AHT units that fall significantly short of their total district count which means that a substantial share of districts across these states are operating without a unit that is specifically mandated to handle trafficking cases.States and UTs with AHT units fewer than the total districts. Data shows children at centre of the crisisIn 2023, Kamble rescued a minor girl in Navi Mumbai’s Kalamboli area. The girl was just 14 when she was forced into sex trade by her own mama and mami (maternal uncle and aunt). Her father had died and her mother used to beg to sustain the family. Her uncle and aunt brought her to Mumbai from Uttar Pradesh’s Kishanganj with the false promise of education and job. “She used to tell them that it hurts and she can’t do it. They would tell her that this is what everyone does in Mumbai to earn money,” Kamble said.She mentioned that deception by their own family members robs them of their ability to trust anyone. “When we raid the brothel, women think we have come to arrest them. Even during their rehabilitation, they lie about their past, and only gradually do they trust us and reveal the truth,” she added.As per the report, under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1956, a total of 2,301 female victims were reported. Among all the states, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar recorded the highest numbers, placing them at the top of the list. Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka were notably prominent within this group.Of particular concern is the age profile of the victims in three of these top five states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, where over forty per cent of the victims were under the age of 18, as recorded under Section 5 of the Act.States with over 40% of victims being minor. Role of police and judiciary in human trafficking casesKamble, whose NGO has held many anti-trafficking raids jointly with the police, noted there had been instances where their rescue operations failed because the police leaked the information.“We no longer tell the police the exact location where the crime is being committed. We ask them to come to a nearby spot and take care of the rest on our own,” Kamble said.Apart from the potholes in police proceedings, an analysis of the five years of NCRB’s data reveals that the journey has not been smooth even with the judicial system. The data points to two critical concerns:First, the conviction rate in cases registered under the Act has witnessed a significant decline from 2022-2024, indicating a deteriorating rate of successful prosecutions.Second, and perhaps more strikingly, the percentage of cases pending trial has consistently remained above 90% for the past five years. This reflects a prolonged and persistent backlog within the system.Conviction rate Case pendency rate“In my experience, I have observed that while those arrested under the POCSO Act face stringent criminal proceedings, it is comparatively easier for those arrested under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act to obtain bail and secure release.” Kamble addedMeanwhile, Saleya continues to work to rebuild herself and wishes to work as a beautician, a skill she has worked hard to acquire through multiple training sessions. She envisions a secured and dignified future for herself and her children. She does not wish to return to her parental home where her years were marked by hardship, violence, and limited access to education. Fear of societal shame and familial abandonment continue to haunt her.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorHarshita BansalHarshita Bansal is an intern at the Times of India. She has done a PG Diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKetan Agarwal Murder Probe Enters Crucial Phase As Police Recreate Crime Scene At Lohagad Fort‘Look Inwards’: India Rejects Pakistan’s ‘Baseless’ Karachi Attack AllegationsPM Modi Thanks Citizens for Cutting Fuel Use, Postponing Gold Purchases Amid West Asia Crisis’Visit Ram Temple, Do Penance’: Yogi Adityanath Attacks Akhilesh Yadav Amid Donation Row | AyodhyaDelhi-Varanasi Bullet Train To Cut Delhi-Lucknow Travel Time To 2 Hours 10 Minutes: Ashwini VaishnawMahua Moitra’s Explosive Attack Over Ram Mandir Donation Row| ’70 KG Silver, 1,250 KG Gold Missing?’Mumbai Police Foil Alleged Mass Poisoning Bid at Muharram Procession; 14,900 Toxic Capsules SeizedCong Seeks Bigger Role in UP Alliance; New In-Charge’s ‘Equal Share’ Pitch Raises Stakes: ReportsBharat Taxi Rolls Out as India’s First Cooperative Cab Service; 500-City Expansion PlannedSix Op Sindoor Personnel Honoured; Opposition Questions Rajnath Singh’s Parliament Remarks123PhotostoriesMinimalist suit looks from Bano’s closet from the Pakistani series ‘Zanjeerein’ that are perfect for festivities and beyondFeeling stressed? A psychologist shares 3 quick ways to calm yourselfWhy beauty experts are warning against the viral ‘no-hair-brushing’ hair-fall hackHow to make high-protein Desi Ghee Paneer Fried Rice for dinnerPsychology says people are being emotionally bankrupt and don’t even know: Philosopher explains howQuote of the day by Kangana Ranaut: ‘What you do and what you are is more important than who you marry’Single or married? Scientists discover rare link between marital status and cancer riskThree- two- three: The magical relationship rule that Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas swear by to keep their marriage strongPsychology says women who retain their surname after marriage may have these 7 common personality traitsForget overnight oats! Try these 6 traditional Indian porridges for breakfast123Hot PicksChinese proverb of the dayJapanese Proverb Of The DayErling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Combined Net worthFIFA world cup 2026Rams FanRam Temple DonationNigerian Proverb of the dayUS Strike on IranKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingK BhagyarajMumbai Local Train DeathRam Temple Donation RowFIFA World Cup 2026NFL TradeUS Iran CeasefirePriyanka GandhiSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News

AI-generated image Saleya (name changed), a victim of domestic violence and sexual abuse, was forced into the sex trade by a woman from her own village. She had just returned to her parental home after escaping an abusive marriage, and was looking for work. The woman deceived her with the promise of domestic work in Mumbai and sold her at the Falkland Road Red-Light Area for Rs. 1,00,000.While working at the red-light area, she gave birth to a girl. Later, she met a man in Akluj and built a family with him. However, her happiness did not last long. She had to leave as her partner was an alcoholic and unfaithful. She kept moving between Tuljapur, Akluj, and Mumbai, working hard to care for her children independently. She sought institutional help and kept on juggling between several rehabilitation centres while she trained to be a beautician. In 2025, when she discovered that she was pregnant again, she shifted to a Mumbai shelter for survivors of human trafficking.”I do not wish to go back to my family. They do not even know about my present situation. I have learned a skill here and wish to earn money while taking care of children on my own,” Saleya said.Udaan House is Saleya’s new address, which she now shares with 5 other women whose lives followed a similar storyline before they were rescued and rehabilitated. Varsha Kamble, working as a project manager at the shelter, said that most of the survivors she rescued were either living in poverty, looking for a stable source of livelihood or were emotionally manipulated by their lovers. Traffickers lured them with false promises of education, financial stability, love and a better life, and when they started trusting them, they were pushed into the sex trade.What data reveals‘Crime in India Report’, released in May by the National Crime Bureau, registered a modest decline of 3.3% in human trafficking cases from 6,043 in 2023 to 5,839 in 2024.However, what lies under this muted achievement is a dark reality revealing the grave situation of women’s safety in India. The report documented that a staggering 40% of human trafficking cases were committed for the purpose of prostitution. And when mapped against the data over five years, it is revealed that the number of cases surged significantly from 2022 to 2024.Maharashtra accounted for the highest number of cases at 829, followed by Telangana (770), Andhra Pradesh (279), and Bihar (97). This is not the first time these states sit at the centre of this crisis, together accounting for a majority of the cases nationally. Maharashtra has led the country in human trafficking cases committed for the purpose of prostitution since 2017.Growing proportion of human trafficking cases involving sexual exploitation for prostitution. Bottlenecks in the anti-trafficking frameworkTaking note of the gaps in the existing protection and support efforts for the survivors of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment on March 30 and constituted a nationwide “Victim Protection Plan”. The proceedings had begun with a PIL filed by anti-trafficking NGO Prajwala in 2004. Invoking its powers under Articles 32 and 142 of the Constitution, a bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan issued a detailed set of binding directions constituting a nationwide “Victim Protection Plan” covering rescue operations, identification, rehabilitation and prosecution.“The lack of a Victim Protection Plan is a serious lacuna that carries the risk of derailing any and all rescue efforts, as there is no clear, guiding, and binding framework for how victims are to be handled, both during and after rescue,” the judgment stated as reported by Bar and Bench.The Plan also sets out detailed operational standards for Anti human-trafficking units (AHTUs) and rescue teams. Units must be led by a DSP-rank officer and have at least two women police officers, with a cybercrime officer included wherever feasible. States are required to notify AHTUs as police stations for their entire district, granting them the jurisdiction to register and investigate trafficking cases. Each unit must maintain a database which has to be updated every month and covers traffickers, victims, and vulnerable communities, with the information moving up to the State Anti-Trafficking Bureau and from there to the NCRB.However, there exists a major schism between the establishment, maintenance and operation of AHT units ordered by the authority and their implementation on the ground.In 2019, a scheme to set up AHTs across all districts was launched by the ministry of home affairs and funded under the Nirbhaya Fund. The intent was to provide every district in the country with a dedicated unit equipped to detect, investigate, and respond to human trafficking cases. While states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal have succeeded in achieving this goal, the implementation has been uneven. Several states continue to have a number of functional AHT units that fall significantly short of their total district count which means that a substantial share of districts across these states are operating without a unit that is specifically mandated to handle trafficking cases.States and UTs with AHT units fewer than the total districts. Data shows children at centre of the crisisIn 2023, Kamble rescued a minor girl in Navi Mumbai’s Kalamboli area. The girl was just 14 when she was forced into sex trade by her own mama and mami (maternal uncle and aunt). Her father had died and her mother used to beg to sustain the family. Her uncle and aunt brought her to Mumbai from Uttar Pradesh’s Kishanganj with the false promise of education and job. “She used to tell them that it hurts and she can’t do it. They would tell her that this is what everyone does in Mumbai to earn money,” Kamble said.She mentioned that deception by their own family members robs them of their ability to trust anyone. “When we raid the brothel, women think we have come to arrest them. Even during their rehabilitation, they lie about their past, and only gradually do they trust us and reveal the truth,” she added.As per the report, under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1956, a total of 2,301 female victims were reported. Among all the states, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar recorded the highest numbers, placing them at the top of the list. Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka were notably prominent within this group.Of particular concern is the age profile of the victims in three of these top five states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, where over forty per cent of the victims were under the age of 18, as recorded under Section 5 of the Act.States with over 40% of victims being minor. Role of police and judiciary in human trafficking casesKamble, whose NGO has held many anti-trafficking raids jointly with the police, noted there had been instances where their rescue operations failed because the police leaked the information.“We no longer tell the police the exact location where the crime is being committed. We ask them to come to a nearby spot and take care of the rest on our own,” Kamble said.Apart from the potholes in police proceedings, an analysis of the five years of NCRB’s data reveals that the journey has not been smooth even with the judicial system. The data points to two critical concerns:First, the conviction rate in cases registered under the Act has witnessed a significant decline from 2022-2024, indicating a deteriorating rate of successful prosecutions.Second, and perhaps more strikingly, the percentage of cases pending trial has consistently remained above 90% for the past five years. This reflects a prolonged and persistent backlog within the system.Conviction rate Case pendency rate“In my experience, I have observed that while those arrested under the POCSO Act face stringent criminal proceedings, it is comparatively easier for those arrested under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act to obtain bail and secure release.” Kamble addedMeanwhile, Saleya continues to work to rebuild herself and wishes to work as a beautician, a skill she has worked hard to acquire through multiple training sessions. She envisions a secured and dignified future for herself and her children. She does not wish to return to her parental home where her years were marked by hardship, violence, and limited access to education. Fear of societal shame and familial abandonment continue to haunt her.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorHarshita BansalHarshita Bansal is an intern at the Times of India. She has done a PG Diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKetan Agarwal Murder Probe Enters Crucial Phase As Police Recreate Crime Scene At Lohagad Fort‘Look Inwards’: India Rejects Pakistan’s ‘Baseless’ Karachi Attack AllegationsPM Modi Thanks Citizens for Cutting Fuel Use, Postponing Gold Purchases Amid West Asia Crisis’Visit Ram Temple, Do Penance’: Yogi Adityanath Attacks Akhilesh Yadav Amid Donation Row | AyodhyaDelhi-Varanasi Bullet Train To Cut Delhi-Lucknow Travel Time To 2 Hours 10 Minutes: Ashwini VaishnawMahua Moitra’s Explosive Attack Over Ram Mandir Donation Row| ’70 KG Silver, 1,250 KG Gold Missing?’Mumbai Police Foil Alleged Mass Poisoning Bid at Muharram Procession; 14,900 Toxic Capsules SeizedCong Seeks Bigger Role in UP Alliance; New In-Charge’s ‘Equal Share’ Pitch Raises Stakes: ReportsBharat Taxi Rolls Out as India’s First Cooperative Cab Service; 500-City Expansion PlannedSix Op Sindoor Personnel Honoured; Opposition Questions Rajnath Singh’s Parliament Remarks123PhotostoriesMinimalist suit looks from Bano’s closet from the Pakistani series ‘Zanjeerein’ that are perfect for festivities and beyondFeeling stressed? A psychologist shares 3 quick ways to calm yourselfWhy beauty experts are warning against the viral ‘no-hair-brushing’ hair-fall hackHow to make high-protein Desi Ghee Paneer Fried Rice for dinnerPsychology says people are being emotionally bankrupt and don’t even know: Philosopher explains howQuote of the day by Kangana Ranaut: ‘What you do and what you are is more important than who you marry’Single or married? Scientists discover rare link between marital status and cancer riskThree- two- three: The magical relationship rule that Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas swear by to keep their marriage strongPsychology says women who retain their surname after marriage may have these 7 common personality traitsForget overnight oats! Try these 6 traditional Indian porridges for breakfast123Hot PicksChinese proverb of the dayJapanese Proverb Of The DayErling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Combined Net worthFIFA world cup 2026Rams FanRam Temple DonationNigerian Proverb of the dayUS Strike on IranKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingK BhagyarajMumbai Local Train DeathRam Temple Donation RowFIFA World Cup 2026NFL TradeUS Iran CeasefirePriyanka GandhiSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News

Vamsikrishna07 mins mins

Saleya (name changed), a victim of domestic violence and sexual abuse, was forced into the sex trade by a woman from her own village. She had just returned to her parental home after escaping an abusive marriage, and was looking for work. The woman deceived her with the promise of domestic work in Mumbai and…

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Jun 28, 2026, 19:07 IST

Jun 28, 2026, 19:07 IST

Vamsikrishna09 mins mins

Lauren Jackson (Special Arrangements) TimesofIndia.com in Singapore: Women’s sport for years fought one battle above all else: Visibility.It demanded television coverage, sponsorship, bigger crowds and, most importantly, the right to be taken seriously. And across much of the sporting world, that battle has shifted.The Women’s Premier League has transformed the commercial landscape of women’s cricket…

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Did Taylor Swift get BOOs from Alan Jackson’s audience at the Nashville concert? Here’s what we know

Did Taylor Swift get BOOs from Alan Jackson’s audience at the Nashville concert? Here’s what we know

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Taylor Swift gets mixed reactions from Alan Jackson’s crowd in Nashville. Image credits: Instagram Alan Jackson performed his farewell concert at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on June 27, 2026, and the crowd met with a surprise – Taylor Swift. The billionaire singer, with roots in country music, shared a video message that was screened in…

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This Iranian dad helped his specially-abled son feel the FIFA World Cup match in the most unique way; 3 parenting lessons to learn |

This Iranian dad helped his specially-abled son feel the FIFA World Cup match in the most unique way; 3 parenting lessons to learn |

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Image Courstesy: Instagram/@alirezapiano95 When Iran scored in the FIFA World Cup 2026, a little boy could not see the goal. But thanks to his father, he could feel it. An Iranian father has touched millions of hearts online after helping his nine-year-old blind son, Alireza, experience World Cup matches through touch. Using a handmade cardboard…

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India Women 119/2 in 16.1 Overs

India Women 119/2 in 16.1 Overs

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

India vs Australia Live Score, Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: World Cups are rarely remembered for perfection. They are remembered for moments when teams find a way to survive despite their shortcomings. As India prepare to face Australia at Lord’s in what could be their defining match of the Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, survival…

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Anushka Ranjan Godh Bharai Ceremony: Parents to be Aditya Seal & Anushka Ranjan are all smile during a traditional Godhbharai | Hindi Movie News

Anushka Ranjan Godh Bharai Ceremony: Parents to be Aditya Seal & Anushka Ranjan are all smile during a traditional Godhbharai | Hindi Movie News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Parents to be Aditya Seal & Anushka Ranjan are all smile during a traditional Godhbharai (Image credits: Instagram) Parents to be Aditya Seal and Anushka Ranjan enjoyed a traditional Godh bharai before welcoming their firstborn.Anushka took to the Stories section of her official Instagram handle on Sunday and uploaded two pictures from the baby shower.In…

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Ina Garten’s home is a Belgian-style barn that speaks to her personality: Decor inspirations to take away |

Ina Garten’s home is a Belgian-style barn that speaks to her personality: Decor inspirations to take away |

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Ina Garten’s East Hampton home, a masterclass in elegant, uncluttered living, offers a blueprint for creating a welcoming space. Her design philosophy emphasizes a neutral, earthy palette, functional open shelving displaying beloved items, and a thoughtful mix of vintage and modern pieces. The iconic cedar-clad barn, inspired by Belgian farmhouses, showcases understated exterior style, making…

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13-year-old ‘raped’ by over 12 men for 4 days in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar; 10 arrested

13-year-old ‘raped’ by over 12 men for 4 days in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar; 10 arrested

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

JAISALMER: A 13-year-old schoolgirl was allegedly sexually assaulted by nearly a dozen people over four days in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar, sparking widespread public outrage. A case involving the alleged sexual exploitation of a Class 8 student in Sriganganagar has led to multiple arrests and an extensive police investigation, with new details continuing to emerge after…

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Who will Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, France, and Spain face in first knock-out games? | Football News

FIFA World Cup 2026: Who will Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, France, and Spain face in first knock-out games? | Football News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

A giant FIFA World Cup match ball (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered the Round of 32. With Canada and South Africa kicking off the knockout stage, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the next phase of the tournament.So, who will the favourites face?BrazilThe most successful nation in FIFA World…

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