A situational analysis on cross border trafficking in West Bengal, India. Dated July 2010

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CROSS BORDER TRAFFICKING AND REPATRIATION IN
NORTH BENGAL
A SITUATIONAL REPORT
For Sanlaap
By
Prantakatha
Introduction
The focus of most of the major studies on cross border trafficking so far has been the
southern region of West Bengal. The reason for this is quite obvious. Kolkata serves as a
hub of all such nefarious and exploitive activities. It is also a convenient stop for
traffickers from neighbouring Bangladesh and Nepal, known sources in the "supply"
line. All players and stakeholders in this field use this city as their base and a transit
point as well. From the point of view of data collection and in-depth studies, it is
convenient and economical to concentrate on nearby districts like North and South 24
Paraganas. The border districts of North Bengal e.g., Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, and Uttar
and Dakshin Dinajpur were almost left out of any comprehensive enquiry on the nature
and magnitude of cross border trafficking. One of the most vulnerable points about
North Bengal is that it has 14 entry points with Nepal. Almost 30 per cent of the porous
border is riverine. Safe Migration Project which operates in some of the districts in
South Bengal has not yet been introduced in North Bengal.
Objective
The objective of this situational analysis is to fill in this gap in coverage of North Bengal
which has around 1500 km of international border with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.
This may be considered as a primary step towards building up a foundation of strong
database for statistical analysis and integrated information in future on the issues of
cross border trafficking and modes of repatriation.

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Universe
Five border districts of were selected: Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Dakshin Dinajpur, Malda
and Murshidabad. Two separate border areas/transit points in each district were
chosen.
Questionnaire
The questionnaire was prepared with the objective of capturing different dimensions of
cross border trafficking together with the modes and frequency of repatriation. The
questions related to the following points:
• Length of border in the concerned district with and without fence
• Transit points used for cross border trafficking
• Number of repatriation /push back cases and the extent of involvement of
NGOs in the process
• Repatriation of Indian girls from Bangladesh and their integration with the
mainstream of the society.
• Frequency and routes of migration and costs involved when it takes place
without valid documents.
• Number of girls reported missing in police stations at identified transit points.
• Number of Bangladeshi girls reported found in police stations at identified
transit points.
• Level of awareness about risks involved in illegal migration among villagers
near transit points
• Number of traffickers by the police at transit points
• Sensitivity of the local administration with respect to cross border trafficking.
Sources of Information
Community based organizations and individuals who have work experience on issues
concerning women and children were engaged in filling up the questionnaire. The
interviewer gathered information at the village level near transit points on one-to-one

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basis from ordinary villagers, members of Gram Panchayat, primary school teachers,
government officials and BSF personnel.
Period
December, 2009 – May, 2010
Difficulties
• For most of the CBOs and individuals this was the first ever attempt to collect
this type of information.
• The study could not have been based on a broader area covering more transit
points within a district due to the lack of infrastructure, trained investigators and
above all sufficient financial resources required for such a survey.
• Trafficking in women and children is a highly sensitive issue. Most of the
respondents are usually reluctant to disclose anything and they could not be
pushed for detailed information. This is equally true for administrative and BSF
personnel.
Cross boarder trafficking situation in Jalpaiguri

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় েজলা Jôlpaiguṛi) is the largest district of North Bengal,
Jalpaiguri district (Bengali: জলপাইগুড়ি ড
covering an area 6,245 km2. It is situated between 26° 16' and 27° 0' North latitudes and 88° 4'
and 89° 53' East longitudes. The district was established in 1869.
The headquarters of the district are at Jalpaiguri town, which is also the divisional headquarter of
north Bengal and has its special importance in respect of tourism, forest, hills, tea gardens, scenic
beauty and a wide variety of tribes like the Totos, etc.

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Questions Jalpaiguri
What is the length of border with 52 Kms - Haldibari, Mekhligunz
Bangladesh in your district?(mention the
name of boarder areas)
Is that area completely covered with Not Totally Covered
fencing? If not, please mention areas 35 Kms
uncovered
What are the transit points in your district Mekhligunje
with respect to cross boarder trafficking?
How many repatriation/push back 10 - 12 per month
happened through this boarder in last
one year?
Which has been the NGOs involved in this Very few
repatriation process in your district?
Is there any girl of Indian origin who has No information
come back from Bangladesh through
repatriation in last one year?
If any repatriation from Bangladesh Kusuli Tudu was brought to a village of Mekhligunge.
happened to India how the girl is Local villagers resist the trafficker and the girl was sent to
reintegrated in the community? her house.
How frequent the migration happens over It happens everyday night. In any case if there is any
the border from villages near to boarders? problem occurs in borders the process stops for some
days only. Some local people are engaged in this work.
What is the cost involved for one person Rs 500 to 1000 per person
to cross boarder without valid documents?
What is the route of migration over border? through lands, Fish Trawlers etc
In last one year how many girls have been Very limited complaints in
reported missing in police stations at the identified police stations at transit points. In any of the cases J.J.Act
transit points? was not applied.

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In last one year how many girls have been 11 girls are reported to be
reported found having Bangladeshi origin in police Bangladeshi
stations at the identified transit points?
What is the level of awareness among only the people related with local administrations and
villagers at transit points regarding the risk of illegal panchayets are little aware in this regard
migration?
How many persons allegedly traffickers have No Trafficker was arrested.
been arrested by Police from transit points? Some time special cases are made in this issue
How sensitized is the local administration Only 1 or 2 officers who got training previously knows
with respect to cross boarder trafficking? about this.
Cross boarder trafficking situation in Maldah

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Malda district (Bengali: মালদা েজলা) is a district of the Indian state of West Bengal. It lies 347
kilometers northnorth of Kolkata, the state capital. This district is notable for the production of
mango and silk. The folk culture of gombhira is a feature of the district, being a unique way of
representation of joy and sorrow of daily life of the common people, as well as the unique
medium of presentation on national and international matters.
District headquarters is English Bazar, also known as Malda, which was once the capital of
Bengal. The district maintains the tradition of the past in culture and education. Old Maldah, the
town which lies just east of the confluence of the Mahananda and Kalindi rivers, is part of the
English Bazar urban agglomeration. The town rose to prominence as the river port of the old
capital of Pandua. During the 18th century it was the seat of prosperous cotton and silk
industries. It remains an important distributing centre for rice, jute, and wheat. Historical
monuments include the mosque Jami' Masjid (1566) and the landmark Nimasari tower across the
river. Constituted a municipality in 1867, it has several colleges affiliated with the University of
North Bengal. Rice, jute, legumes, and oilseed are the chief crops in the surrounding area.

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Mulberry plantations and mango orchards occupy large areas; mango trade and silk manufacture
are the main economic activities.
Questions Malda
What is the length of border with 173.35 Kms
Bangladesh in your district?(mention the Land - 158.35 Kms
name of boarder areas) Riverine - 15 kms
Is that area completely covered with Not Totally Covered
fencing? If not, please mention areas 40 Kms
uncovered
What are the transit points in your district
with respect to cross boarder trafficking? Kumvira(Baishnabnagar),
Gopalgunj (Kaliachak),
Mohadipur (English Bazar),
Joharatata (EB),
Mahadebpur (Old Malda)
( Border - Muchia, Adompur),
Singabad (Habibpur), Dalla (Habibpur), Ashrampur
(Bamongola), Adadanga(Bamongola), Jajal (Habibpur),
Pardewyanapur( Baishnabnagar), Mohadipur (PS - English
Bazar) is Govt recognised border.
How many repatriation/push back 60-80 repatriated last year
happened through this boarder in last No push Back system is persisting now
one year?
Which has been the NGOs involved in this No Ngos are involved.
repatriation process in your district? Only BSF and BDR are involved
Is there any girl of Indian origin who has
come back from Bangladesh through No record found in last year
repatriation in last one year?
If any repatriation from Bangladesh
happened to India how the girl is
reintegrated in the community? By the information of DIB/BSF 5-6 in last one year

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How frequent the migration happens over
the border from villages near to boarders?
Nearly every day
What is the cost involved for one person
to cross boarder without valid documents?
Rs 300 per head (single person)
Rs 250 per head (when more than one)
What is the route of migration over border?
Not Available
In last one year how many girls have been
reported missing in police stations at the identified On an average 7-8 yearly
transit points?
In last one year how many girls have been
reported found having Bangladeshi origin in police 9
stations at the identified transit points?
What is the level of awareness among
villagers at transit points regarding the risk of illegal No awareness among the
migration? villagers. More often they are involved in illegal migration
for quick money, for which sometimes they get arrested
also by BSF.
How many persons allegedly traffickers have
10 to 20 people per month
been arrested by Police from transit points?
is arrested from the transit points
How sensitized is the local administration
with respect to cross boarder trafficking? Administration takes initiatives only when there is
pressure from Upper levels.
Cross boarder trafficking situation in Murshidabad
Murshidabad district (Bengali: মুড়ি শিদাবাদ েজলা) is a district of West Bengal in eastern India.
র্শি
Situated on the left bank of the river Ganges, the district is very fertile. Covering an area of

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5,341 km² (2,062 sq mi) and having a population 5.863m (according to 2001 census) it is a
densely populated district. The Baharampur town is the headquarters of the district.
The Murshidabad city, which lends its name to the district, was the seat of power of the Nawabs
of Bangla. All of Bengal was once governed from this town. Few years after Nawab Siraj-ud-
Daula lost to the British at the Battle of Plassey, the capital of Bengal was moved to the newly
founded city of Calcutta.
It borders West Bengal's Malda district to the north, Birbhum to the west, Bardhaman to the
south-west and Nadia district due south. The international border with Bangladesh's Rajshahi
division is on the east.
Questions Murshidabad
What is the length of border with
Bangladesh in your district?(mention the
name of boarder areas) 128 Km

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Is that area completely covered with Not Totally Covered
fencing? If not, please mention areas 39 Kms
uncovered
What are the transit points in your district
with respect to cross boarder trafficking?
Kaharpara (Under Raninagar P.S)
Basitpur (Suh P.S)
How many repatriation/push back
happened through this boarder in last No records found
one year?
Which has been the NGOs involved in this Sanlaap - According to BSF
repatriation process in your district? and Police
Is there any girl of Indian origin who has 3 girls from Central Jail
come back from Bangladesh through Berhampore - according to Jail Authority
repatriation in last one year?
If any repatriation from Bangladesh 3 to 4 girls. Right Jessore was the
happened to India how the girl is partner in this process
reintegrated in the community?
How frequent the migration happens over
the border from villages near to boarders?
It happens everyday. In any case if there is any problem
occurs in borders the process stops for some days only.
What is the cost involved for one person
to cross boarder without valid documents?
Rs 500 - 800 per person
What is the route of migration over border? Firstly after crossing the borders
they stay in a local village house. Then they acquire many
women from different locations and traffic all of them at
a time to Bombay / Delhi
In last one year how many girls have been 14 girls are missing from the
reported missing in police stations at the identified transit points Police Stations. In any of the cases J.J.Act
transit points? was not applied.
In last one year how many girls have been
reported found having Bangladeshi origin in police 37 traffickers. All are in Jail now.
stations at the identified transit points?

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What is the level of awareness among
villagers at transit points regarding the risk of illegal
migration? Villagers who are little aware
they knows it. Teachers are very much aware in the
villages.
How many persons allegedly traffickers have
Kalu ghosh in jail since last 5 years.
been arrested by Police from transit points?
Sabita was arrested but bailed later
How sensitized is the local administration
with respect to cross boarder trafficking?
Nobody knows accept few BSF Officers
Cross boarder trafficking situation in Dakshin Dinajpur
South Dinajpur district or Dakshin Dinajpur district (Bengali: দি কণ ি দনাজপুড়র েজলা) is a
্শিষি
district of West Bengal state of India. The district was created on April 1, 1992. The district
comprises two subdivisions: Balurghat subdivision and Gangarampur subdivision.

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Questions Dakkhin Dinajpur
What is the length of border with Total 252 Kms
Bangladesh in your district?(mention the Hili - 60 Kms, Balurghat - 65Kms
name of boarder areas) Kumargunj - 19 Kms, Tapan - 24 Kms, Gangarampur - 36
Kms , Kashmandy - 18 Kms
Is that area completely covered with Not Totally Covered
fencing? If not, please mention areas 49 Kms
uncovered

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What are the transit points in your district
with respect to cross boarder trafficking?
Please find the scanned copies of detail points at
annexure 1
How many repatriation/push back
happened through this boarder in last Only one in last year
one year?
Which has been the NGOs involved in this Women Interlink foundation 2005 - 2008
repatriation process in your district? Bahumukhi Gramin Sanstha from 2009
Is there any girl of Indian origin who has
come back from Bangladesh through Yes. Saraswati Malo, Age -15 yrs
repatriation in last one year?
If any repatriation from Bangladesh One repatriation case, no rehabilitation, re trafficking .
happened to India how the girl is
The Muslim Communities marginalizing victims by telling
reintegrated in the community?
them, they are no more Muslims by religion after
trafficked.
How frequent the migration happens over
the border from villages near to boarders? Most frequent through Non- fenced border spots.
Traffickers bring them along with their parent up to
Kolkata or Malda. Frome there they traffic the girls by
telling them that they will be meeting their parents
What is the cost involved for one person Rs 150 to 200 are required per
to cross boarder without valid documents? person to cross the border without valid documents. In
case they caught by BSFs the traffickers bribes BSFs to
cross the border
What is the route of migration over border?
No answer
In last one year how many girls have been 2 girls age 14 and 15 respectively
reported missing in police stations at the identified from Kumargunge and Hili
transit points?

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In last one year how many girls have been No Govt record is
reported found having Bangladeshi origin in police available in this point
stations at the identified transit points?
What is the level of awareness among 15-20 % people are aware
villagers at transit points regarding the risk of illegal 30% people knows or aware about illigal migration but
migration? they are allured by the money due to their financial crisis.
Rest 50 % of people are absolutely unaware of illigal
migration
How many persons allegedly traffickers have
Police said that, no arrest is
been arrested by Police from transit points?
possible in transit points under Trafficking act.
How sensitized is the local administration Local administration are not
with respect to cross boarder trafficking? awared about the nitigrities of the Cross Border
trafficking as there is no awreness from Govt level.
Cross boarder trafficking situation in Dakshin Dinajpur

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North Dinajpur district or Uttar Dinajpur district ( Bengali: উত্শিতর ি দনাজপুড়র েজলা) ( uttar
meaning North) came into existence on 1992-04-01 after the bifurcation of erstwhile West
Dinajpur District. The District lies between latitude 25°11' N to 26°49' N and longitude 87°49' E
to 90°00' E occupying an area of 3142 km² enclosed by Bangladesh on the east, Bihar on the
west, Darjeeling District and Jalpaiguri District on the north and Malda District and South
Dinajpur District on the south. Uttar Dinajpur is well connected with the rest of the state through
National Highways, State Highways and Railways. NH-31 and NH-34 pass through the heart of
the district.
The regional topography is generally flat with a gentle southerly slope towards which the main
rivers like Kulik, Nagar, Mahananda. The District forms a part of the basin lying between
Rajmahal hills on the east. The older alluvium is estimated to be Pleistocene age. Uttar Dinajpur
is bestowed with a very fertile soil. The soil is very rich in nature due to the alluvial deposition
which helps to grow Paddy, Jute, Mesta and Sugarcane etc. Raiganj on the banks of the River
Kulik is the District Headquarters where the "Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary", the second largest
bird sanctuary in Asia, is situated.

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Questions Uttar Dinajpur
What is the length of border with
Bangladesh in your district?(mention the
name of boarder areas) 257 kms
Is that area completely covered with
fencing? If not, please mention areas Not Totally Covered 47 kms
uncovered

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What are the transit points in your district
with respect to cross boarder trafficking?
Dinhata, Changrabanda
How many repatriation/push back
happened through this boarder in last 4 in last year
one year?
Which has been the NGOs involved in this
repatriation process in your district? Hardly any NGO involved
Is there any girl of Indian origin who has
come back from Bangladesh through No information
repatriation in last one year?
If any repatriation from Bangladesh
happened to India how the girl is
reintegrated in the community?
Two repatriation case, more cases within tribal
communities
How frequent the migration happens over
the border from villages near to boarders?
Frequent through on fenced boarder ares
What is the cost involved for one person
to cross boarder without valid documents?
same as Dakshin Dinajpur
What is the route of migration over border?
mostly Through Raigunge
In last one year how many girls have been
reported missing in police stations at the identified Hardly any record
transit points?

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In last one year how many girls have been
reported found having Bangladeshi origin in police 12 traffickers, 8 of them got bail
stations at the identified transit points?
What is the level of awareness among
villagers at transit points regarding the risk of illegal
migration?
Hardly any
How many persons allegedly traffickers have
been arrested by Police from transit points?
No one, as police says due to lack of evidence
How sensitized is the local administration
with respect to cross boarder trafficking? Only 1 or 2 officers who got training previously knows
about this.
Summary & Conclusion:
In a nutshell the above study lights up the flowing points with regard to cross boarder
trafficking in North Bengal
• There is huge need for information sourcing on human trafficking situation at
North Bengal, given the severe lack of study at this part of Bengal
• There is strong need of counter human trafficking work by Civil Society
Organisaiton in North Bengal
• Due to porous boarder, cross boarder trafficking is rampant
• There is hardly any sensitization of officials either at Indian and at Bangladesh
side
• There is also hardly any record of missing girls at police stations
• There is an array of transit points used for trafficking in each district
• Rampant push back is happening through these districts
• Hardly any case of repatriation is happening
Annexure- I

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