NHRC seeks report from West Bengal govt on efforts to aid victims of Sonagachi red light area

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Sunday directed the Chief Secretary of West Bengal to submit a detailed report on the policy framed to "check and prevent" the sex-trade and brothels in Sonagachi area in Kolkata within the next 10 weeks.

The NHRC also directed the Secretary of Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal to expedite the work of conducting a survey along with Indian Institute of Science, over the conditions of victims of sex-trade in Sonagachi, from social, legal and health points of view, and submit the report latest by March 11.

The NHRC passed the order acting on a petition by noted human rights activist and Supreme Court lawyer, Radhakanta Tripathy on the plight of trafficked or other-wise engaged sex workers in Sonagachi, the largest red-light area in Asia, situated in Kolkata.

In his petition, Tripathy alleged that due to the inaction and negligence of state mechanism, women, even minor girls, have been suffering from sexual abuse and brutal rape.

"The Government Authorities fail to keep surveillance and do the needful for a permanent solution over the issue that has been continuing for decades in the area," he said.

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