RPF, Women’s Commission Hold Anti-Trafficking Seminar in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: The Railway Protection Force (RPF), Vijayawada Division of South Central Railway, in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Women, organised a seminar and training camp in Vijayawada on Friday to strengthen efforts against human trafficking and improve women’s safety.

Held at the Railway Auditorium, the programme focused on awareness, prevention strategies and coordinated response mechanisms, particularly for the protection of women and children.

AP State Commission for Women chairperson Dr Rayapati Sailaja, who attended as chief guest, stressed the need for community awareness, timely intervention and inter-agency coordination to tackle trafficking effectively. She called for greater public vigilance to ensure safer environments.

The seminar featured an expert session by P.M. Nair, former Director General of the National Disaster Response Force, who spoke on practical approaches, field-level challenges and best practices in identifying trafficking networks and protecting victims.

The programme was conducted under the leadership of Shanmuga Vadivelu S.. Among those present were Rahuldev Singh, Sridevi, Ruksana and R. Suez.

Supported by senior civil judges Amar Rajendra Rao and K.V. Rama Krishnaiah, the seminar included sessions on rescue of victims, legal provisions, victim rights and the role of police agencies in prevention and detection.

Officials noted that railway stations were key transit points for trafficking and stressed the need for vigilance among staff and passengers.

Around 300 participants attended, including personnel from RPF, Government Railway Police, local police, Child Welfare Committees, Anti-Human Trafficking Units, State Legal Services Authority, Bachpan Bachao Andolan and Women Development and Child Welfare departments.