SALEM: : In what is being described as a 'refreshingly radical' approach in tackling the problems of prostitution and trafficking, the Tamil Nadu police have decided to tighten their noose on pimps, middlemen, brothel runners and traffickers, instead of 'mechanically rounding up the women.'
This far-reaching move, worked out by the 'think-tank' of the State's police administration, is also meant to bolster the image of the force among the women and their groups and turn the focus on the 'middlemen.' A senior police official told The Hindu that the personnel in Anti-Trafficking Cell and Anti-Vice Squad have been instructed on the need for adopting this 'pro-victim' approach seriously. 'We will go after the pimps and middlemen who exploit these women for commercial gains, mostly against their will,' said the officer.
The police are now empowered to use the Goondas' Act against these 'unscrupulous elements.' And while raiding brothel houses, if minor girls are found to be victims, Section 376 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) for charges of rape will be registered against the customers, pimps, organisers and traffickers. Clear instructions on 'not to harass the women unnecessarily' have also been issued. |