Hyderabad has taken a significant step in fighting human trafficking and protecting children. The city police have set up the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), Juvenile Bureau (JB) Unit, and a unique Victim Assistance Unit (VAU) in Telangana.
City Police Commissioner CV Anand inaugurated these units at the Central Crime Station in Hyderabad. The VAU was created with the help of Prajwala NGO.
This reorganization comes after the government orders GO 32 and GO 57, which laid the foundation for these specialized teams.
The AHTU includes 8 members: 1 Inspector, 2 Sub-Inspectors, 2 Head Constables, and 3 Police Constables. They focus on stopping the trafficking of women and children by identifying hotspots, gathering intelligence, and conducting rescue operations. They also track those involved in trafficking, conduct raids, and work on repatriating victims both within India and abroad.
By 2025, the AHTU has registered 23 cases, rescued 44 victims, and arrested 71 suspects.
The Juvenile Bureau includes 7 members: 1 Inspector, 2 Sub-Inspectors, 2 Head Constables, and 2 Police Constables. Based at the Central Crime Station, this team protects children from exploitation such as child labor and trafficking. They collaborate with the Child Welfare Committee to return missing children to their families across India.
This year, the JB unit returned 4 children within the state and 7 to other states. Through Operation Smile and Operation Muskaan, 896 children were rescued.
The VAU in Telangana is crucial in helping trafficking victims. It supports victims in recalling their experiences safely, provides them with confidence for court appearances, and connects them to government schemes, legal aid, and rehabilitation services. The unit aids in their recovery and reintegration into society.
