20,000 women were victims of human trafficking in 2016: Govt

The government of India of India on Thursday released data on Human trafficking case which revealed that more 20,000 women and children became the victims of such cases against 2015's 15,448.

New Delhi: According to data submitted by the government, more than 20,000 women and children were said to be the victims of human trafficking in 2016 - 25% more when compared with 2015. The ministry of women and child development informed Parliament that the highest number of the victims are from West Bengal and added that 19,223 women and children were trafficked in 2016 against 15,448 in 2015.

A Delhi police official, who refused to be named, claimed that human trafficking crimes are on the rise dramatically and added that police officials attributed in bringing awareness on trafficking-related cases and more training.

The officer said that more victims are reporting against such cases. He added that the numbers of these cases could be higher as many victims still don't come forward to report.