The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has reported 313 cases of human trafficking in Andhra Pradesh in 2024, with 291 being women and girls, according to the Crime in India 2024 report released on May 6. The majority of the victims were trafficked for sexual exploitation and forced labor, with 279 being trafficked for sex work.

According to N. Ram Mohan, secretary of HELP, an NGO, 23 children were among those trafficked, and the percentage of rescues was good.

The NCRB data indicates the severity of exploitation of women and children in the state, with organized prostitution gangs operating in the area.

The state has 13 Anti Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) in 26 districts, and there is an urgent need to step up vigilance on traffickers, with a victim of sex trafficking calling for increased focus on inter-State and online prostitution rackets and the establishment of fast-track courts for speedy trial of cases. The immediate next steps include the need for law enforcement to focus on strengthening victim protection and increasing conviction rates to check trafficking cases, with the state aiming to reduce the number of human trafficking cases in the future.