P020 - Criminological analysis of sex trafficking in India: A Qualitative study

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Abstract

India is known for its rich culture and diversity but also faces challenges related to social practices and crimes against women and children, including trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation. This pervasive issue positions India as a source, transit, and destination country in the trafficking network with a high prevalence of interstate/intercity trafficking. Criminal networks are involved in recruiting, transporting, selling, and managing a large number of girls forced into prostitution. The demand for exploited individuals is met at various locations such as hotels, lodges, spas, saloons, dance bars, resorts, and private/rented apartments/homes. Supply chains enable the movement of girls between different criminal groups across cities based on demands raised at particular locations. Local recruitment has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic situation without adequate understanding from law enforcement or policymakers about new criminal group dynamics. This paper analyzes the people involved in the sex trafficking industry like victims/survivors, police/law enforcement agencies, traffickers and pimps from a criminology framework. It aims to help readers, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers understand common patterns behind this complex problem. The authors have utilized purposive sampling techniques and conducted in-depth interviews with relevant actors associated with the issue. The study highlights how traffickers use advanced methods to trap victims, including misleading promises, administering drugs, abductions, and forced marriages. It recommends a multi-dimensional solution-based approach through rigorous indigenous research studies, dissemination of knowledge to concerned stakeholders, defining goals, and tracking progress based on a matrix-based assessment framework.

Authors

• Manikandan soundararajan, Staffordshire University

• George E Richards, Pennsylvania Western University