Chennai: As if the concerns raised by the recent crimes against girl children are not enough, here is yet another shocker- child sex tourism.
If you are under the impression that this is something that is happening abroad, hold your breath, the ugly trade has reportedly entered Tamilnadu.
A report stated that after New Delhi, Goa, Kerala and Mumbai, the racket is happening in Chennai too, in areas such as Vadapalani, Saligramam, KK Nagar, T Nagar, Kodambakkam and Porur.
However, when ‘News Today’ contacted a top police officer and elaborated him about this, he said, “the trade has not yet reached the shores of Chennai. We have not received any complaints so far”.
He added: “Children living in streets and pavements are vulnerable targets for members of the racket. They kidnap the kids easily and involve them in sex trade.”
It is said that the network mainly targets international tourists who indulge in sex with children between 10 and 15 years of age. “The demand and the supply is connected through mobile or online applications,” a source said, adding:
“Kids are forced to obey them with harsh treatments. The perverse act is also videographed and sold off for a huge sum, as there is a good demand for this in foreign countries.”
According to recent statistics of the International Labour Organisation, 1.2 million children have been listed as victims of sexual and labour trafficking around the globe. An Interpol team has been set up to curb the illegal trade.
| PACKAGE & PAIN |
| Young girls and boys are trafficked and forced to work as escorts to tourists. The price for each ‘package’ varies from Rs 1000 to even lakhs based on the number of days and service the ‘customer’ opts for. These kids go through hell as they are abused and used in many unnatural ways.
Even some local politicians are said to be having a hand in these illegal trades. Money plays a major role as transactions in crores of rupees are done. |
| Golden hour |
| Police officials term the first two hours of a child goes missing as the ‘Golden Hour.’ In such cases, dial the emergency No. 100, Child Helpline No. 1098 and also alert the nearby police station by providing the child’s description, such as identification marks, skin colour, and most importantly a recent photo. Also it is important to inform via email all the main police headquarters in other major cities across the country. |