Human trafficking in West Bengal's tea gardens is one of the biggest problems in the state. So much so that the central government in its recent budget earmarked a special package for the welfare of those affected. Low wages, lack of awareness, and the lure of a better future in distant lands has made many gullible tea garden workers fall prey to human traffickers. Those trafficked include women and children from the tea gardens forced into household work and sex in Indian metros and beyond.
Our community correspondent Harihar Nagbansi has been reporting on the issue from Alipurduar for several years now. In a latest case put to light, a man called Phulan Barman from Satkodari village of West Bengal's Alipurduar district migrated to the southern Indian city of Hyderabad only to never return. It has been four years since he left and neither has he visited his family in all these years nor do the parents have any information of his whereabouts.
Police have been informed of the case and they have also questioned two people related to the victim. But they are yet to gain any significant breakthrough. There has been no progress in the case and the parents await the return of their son. We will keep reporting on this issue as and when there is a new development.
To see more reports on human trafficking by the same correspondent, click here.
Displaced locals request for rehabilitation and compensation
The dam at Kothida, Bharud Pura, Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh took just a year to get a crack. More than 11 surrounding villages are at risk now due to this leakage and residents are asked to vacate the area.
Livelihood at stake in Chatra
The matter is serious - in Jatrahi village under Sikid village council of Chatra Block, Chatra District of Jharkhand, 25 families of Bhuyan community were living for 70 years and they are asked to relocate.