Hyderabad gets revamped anti-human trafficking, juvenile protection facilities

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad City Police on Tuesday inaugurated revamped facilities for the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) and the Juvenile Bureau (JB)/Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) to intensify the fight against human trafficking and protect vulnerable children.

A first-of-its-kind Victim Assistance Unit (VAU) in Telangana, developed in partnership with Prajwala NGO, was also formally launched during the ceremony.

The inauguration, held at the Central Crime Station (CCS), was led by the Director General and Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City CV Anand.

Reorganisation to strengthen enforcement

The strengthening of these units follows government orders GO 32 (2023) and GO 57 (2025) that authorised the formation of dedicated anti-trafficking and child protection units under the Women Safety Wing of the Hyderabad Police, with clearly defined structures and sanctioned personnel.

Anti-Human Trafficking Unit: Expanding impact

The newly constituted Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) comprises eight officials, including one inspector, two sub-inspectors, two head constables, and three police constables.

The unit is tasked with identifying trafficking hotspots both physically and online, conducting intelligence-based rescue operations, tracking trafficking networks, brothel operators and clients, leading coordinated rescue missions, following up on trial cases for timely justice and managing repatriation and deportation of victims as needed.

In 2025, the AHTU has so far filed 23 cases, rescued 44 victims and arrested 71 accused.

Functions of Juvenile Bureau

The Juvenile Bureau (JB)/SJPU, with seven members, operates from CCS Hyderabad and focuses on crimes against children such as trafficking, labour and abuse. It also coordinates with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for the repatriation of rescued minors.

So far this year, the bureau has repatriated 11 children (4 within Telangana and 7 to other States) and has rescued 896 children under national drives like Operation Smile and Operation Muskan.

Victim Assistance Unit: First survivor-centric centre in State

The newly launched Victim Assistance Unit (VAU), established in collaboration with Prajwala NGO, is the first such centre in Telangana dedicated to the rehabilitation of human trafficking survivors.

The VAU offers trauma-informed victim counselling and evidence preparation, legal aid, access to welfare schemes and psychological support, reintegration pathways through government coordination and the centre will be operated by Prajwala staff and supervised by the DCP of the Women Safety Wing.

A step toward safer communities

In the public statement, the Hyderabad Police said that the initiatives underscore their unwavering commitment to protecting women and children and eradicating trafficking networks through enhanced coordination, institutional support and victim-centric interventions.