Rachakonda CP Mahesh Bhagwat In 2017 TIP Report Heroes List:- For his efforts in combating trafficking, Rachakonda Commissioner of Police (CP) Mahesh Bhagwat has won recognition as a hero.

Moreover, he has been listed in the 2017 Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Report Heroes that released on Tuesday. This is for the first time any Indian police official receiving the honor by “The Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.”

The report recognizing the efforts of the 1995 batch IPS officer, described Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat as one who has demonstrated remarkable commitment to the fight against human trafficking for the last 13 years rescuing the lives of hundreds of women. In various anti-trafficking operations that have removed hundreds of victims from situations of trafficking, Bhagwat has participated and with the help of other government departments and civil society organizations, he has ensured their placement in support programs.

The report said, the Police Commissioner’s innovative and highly effective approach to investigating cases shows his dedication to the fight against human trafficking and also his success in breaking down the
trafficking operations within his command areas, the report said.

"He has pioneered the use of legal provisions to close sites where human trafficking is known to occur. The Rachakonda police, under his command, in less than a year, has shut down 25 brothels- five hotels and 20 residential apartments, and participated in one of the largest crackdowns on labor trafficking in the country, which led to the identification and removal of more than 350 children forced to work in brick kilns. In addition to being a top figure in trafficking interference efforts, he also constantly pushes for human trafficking to be a top priority for the Telangana state of India," the report said.

Alika Kinan (Argentina), Leonardo Sakamoto (Brazil), Vanaja Jasphine (Cameroon), Viktoria Sebhelyi (Hungary), Amina Oufroukhi (Morocco), Allison Lee (Taiwan), and Boom Mosby (Thailand) are the other heroes listed in the report.

The US Department of State said, “ Individuals around the world who have devoted their lives to the fight against human trafficking have been honored by the Department of State honors every year. These individuals are NGO workers, lawmakers, police officers, and concerned citizens who are committed to ending modern slavery. Such individuals are recognized for their tireless efforts who protect victims, punish offenders, and raise awareness of ongoing criminal practices in their countries and abroad, despite resistance, opposition, and threats to their lives.”

SUPRAJA