Friend requests and job offers can turn into trafficking traps, caution Goa police

Panaji: Goa police on Saturday said a friend request or job offer can lead to forced labour, sexual exploitation, begging rackets, or bonded servitude, and urged parents to be aware of their children’s digital activities.“Trafficking in human beings is a grave violation of fundamental human rights, destroying lives and leaving deep social, economic, and psychological impacts on individuals, families, communities, and society at large,” victim assistant unit (VAU’s) in-charge, advocate Emidio Pinho, said.To commemorate National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, a rally was organised by the anti-human trafficking unit of the North Goa police, in collaboration with the NGO, Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) Goa.Inspector general of police (IGP) Keshav Ram Chaurasia stressed that while policing is essential, prevention begins at home, protection in educational institutions, and awareness within communities. Chaurasia urged parents to be aware of their children’s digital activities, teachers to identify signs of online grooming, and young people to remain vigilant against fraudulent online offers.Chaurasia said that reporting suspicious activities, missing persons, child labour, and exploitation is not interference but a civic duty, and called upon citizens to actively participate.He added that collective vigilance, compassion, and coordinated action will ensure that no child, woman, or human being is exploited.