Sundergarh: As many as 42,713 girls have been trafficked from Sundergarh district of Odisha in a decade, revealed a survey conducted by a non-government organisation working in the region.
As per the data, Kutra, Lepripada, Balisankara and Sabdega blocks are the most vulnerable areas to such trafficking.
Most of the girls here were lured outside the state on the pretext of good employment and income, the survey revealed.
"I have no wish in life except to see my daughter back home," hopes Blasius Lakra whose daughter was lured to Mumbai by a relative 12 years ago.
"I searched for her and visited several places every time I got a clue of her but haven't traced her yet. I hope she will return one day," said Flora Lakra whose daughter has been missing since 16 years.
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Voices of Blasius and Flora capture the pain and misery of many families who have lost one or more members.
"The true magnitude of the crime in the district is horrifying. A proper planning is needed to curb the menace," said a social activist, Subhasree Ray.
"We are well aware of the rampant human trafficking in the district. We are jointly working with other organisations here to nab the culprits," said Superintendent of Police, Sundergarh, Pinaki Mishra.