NCW, NCPCR take cognisance of trafficking reports from Rajasthan

A day after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Rajasthan government over reports that minor girls were allegedly being auctioned on stamp paper in at least six districts at the behest of Khap panchayats, the National Commission for Women and child rights body National Commission for Protection of Child Rights have also taken note of the issue and said they will investigate the matter

"We will see that nexus gets banned and the accused is punished," NCPCR chairman Priyank Kanoongo said, "It is clear that government officials and politicians are involved," he said, adding that organised child trafficking was not possible without political and administrative support. He said he will visit the villages of girls who were reportedly being auctioned off on stamp papers and meet their families, as well as seek information on the matter.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also formed a two-member team to probe allegations girls were sold to cover loan repayments. The state's women's body has issued notices to the director-general of police and the Bhilwara district collector. The team headed by an under secretary will be reaching Bhilwara on Friday evening to look into this matter.


Reports of girls aged between eight and 18 being auctioned on stamp paper in at least six districts have come up in regional media.

Reports also said refusal to be auctioned off resulted in their mothers being raped on diktats by caste panchayats. Rajasthan minister Pratap Khachariyawas denied that there were instances of trafficking in the state. He said the matter was under investigation and that NHRC should have spoken to Rajasthan police first.