Jaishankar further highlighted the role of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in addressing human trafficking across India.
Punjab Sees Highest Human Trafficking Cases in India, Says External Affairs Minister
On Thursday, 4th December, 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha that Punjab currently reports the highest number of human trafficking cases in India. He told this during the question hour and highlighted the state’s efforts and ongoing investigations into the crime.
Jaishankar said that “As far as states are concerned, the maximum number of trafficking cases is from the state of Punjab.” He provided a detailed account of legal actions taken by state authorities. He highlighted that the Punjab government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a fact-finding committee specifically for the examination of human trafficking incidents within the state.
The minister shared that, as per state reports, 25 FIRs have been registered against 58 illegal travel agents in Punjab, leading to the arrest of 16 accused individuals. Jaishankar also compared figures from other states and cited that Haryana has registered 2,325 human trafficking cases, 44 FIRs, and 27 arrests, while Gujarat recently apprehended a significant trafficker.
Jaishankar further highlighted the role of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in addressing human trafficking across India. He said the NIA had set up an anti-human trafficking division several years ago, which now operates with a nationwide mandate. The agency has registered and investigated 27 cases, resulting in 169 arrests and chargesheets against 132 individuals. Significant arrests by the NIA include two major traffickers in Haryana and Punjab on August 7 and two more in Himachal Pradesh on October 2.
The minister’s statement also emphasised that state governments are actively investigating human trafficking cases alongside the NIA, reinforcing India’s multi-layered approach for tackling the issue.
Jaishankar’s disclosure highlights the pressing challenge that human trafficking poses in Punjab and other parts of India. It signals a coordinated effort between central and state authorities to strengthen enforcement and ensure justice for victims. The data shared in the Rajya Sabha provides a clear picture of ongoing anti-trafficking measures and reflects India’s commitment to combatting this serious social problem.
Source: Indian Express
