Thu Dec 04 11:11:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of the Indian Parliament) on December 4, 2025, that Punjab has the highest number of human trafficking cases in India. He also provided updates on actions taken by state governments (Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding these cases, including arrests, FIRs filed, and investigations launched.

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Punjab Leads in Human Trafficking Cases, Says Jaishankar in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi, December 4, 2025 – Punjab has the highest number of human trafficking cases among Indian states, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha today. Speaking during the Parliament’s Winter Session, Jaishankar addressed questions regarding human trafficking and actions taken by both state and national agencies.

“As far as States are concerned, the maximum number of trafficking cases is from the State of Punjab,” stated Jaishankar. He also noted that the Punjab government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a fact-finding committee to investigate these cases, resulting in 25 FIRs against 58 illegal travel agents and the arrest of 16 individuals.

The Minister also shared updates on other states. Haryana has registered 2,325 cases, with 44 FIRs and 27 arrests. A significant trafficker was apprehended in Gujarat, Jaishankar added.

Regarding deportations from the United States, Jaishankar highlighted the role of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which established an anti-human trafficking division. The NIA has investigated 27 cases, resulting in 169 arrests and charge sheets against 132 individuals. Recent operations include the arrest of two traffickers in Haryana and Punjab on August 7th, and two more in Himachal Pradesh on October 2nd. Jaishankar emphasized the collaborative efforts of state governments and the NIA in addressing this critical issue.

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