The recent crackdown by Kohima Police on a human trafficking and sex racket jolted the conscience of public of the state capital. This happened on September 7, when police revealed the rescue of a minor girl and the arrest of nine individuals, including the alleged mastermind. The shock may have seemed less if the victim had been an adult. While the breakthrough is commendable, it is equally a stark reminder of the violations of law, morality, and human dignity that can take place even in a moderately conservative society. The case began when the Women Police Station in Kohima registered a suo motu FIR. Acting swiftly, police traced the minor victim to a hotel in the city on August 30. Her testimony exposed the nightmare of being coerced into prostitution, sexually exploited by multiple persons. This disclosure led to the arrest of Neisedenuo Thuphre, 31, who admitted to working both as a sex worker and a pimp. She pointed to Rakesh Bromo, 32, as the ringleader. Bromo, a resident of Kohima, allegedly supplied clients from Guwahati and Shillong, while Thuphre recruited vulnerable girls. Both confessed to their roles in exploiting minors. Through coordinated raids led by the Women Police Station and North Police Station, more individuals-locals and non-locals-were apprehended. The accused were found to have acted as pimps, organisers, and agents in the illegal trade. All nine are now in judicial custody. The violations here are grave and multi-layered. The use of a minor in prostitution is a direct breach of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which criminalises sexual assault, harassment, and exploitation of children under 18. The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) also comes into play, as it penalises trafficking, pimping, and running brothels. Additionally, sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)-ranging from kidnapping and wrongful confinement to rape and criminal conspiracy-apply to the acts committed. These are not just moral failings; they are punishable crimes that strike at the foundations of justice and human dignity. For many citizens, the exposure of such an organised racket in Kohima may appear shocking, but it is likely not an isolated incident. Organised and unorganised sex trades thrive in the shadows, fuelled by demand, poverty, and silence. The most disturbing aspect is the targeting of minors, who are the most vulnerable in society. Their abduction and exploitation are among the most heinous violations imaginable that are punishable under the harshest POSCO Act. This case must serve as a turning point. The investigation should not stop with the arrest of a few culprits but extend to their families, their villages, and the networks that silently allow such practices to grow. Law enforcement must be relentless, but society also has a role. Institutions-schools, churches, village councils- must be sensitised to spot warning signs and report suspicious activities. Silence and stigma only embolden predators. Kohima Police deserve credit for acting decisively. Yet, the larger challenge lies in ensuring this is not dismissed as an isolated success. The protection of children demands not just police action but collective vigilance, strict enforcement of the law, and uncompromising public awareness. Crimes of this nature are not just legal violations-they are assaults on the very fabric of our society.
Tuesday, October 7, 2025