US hails Rachakonda CP as a hero

​Hyderabad: Rachakonda Police Commissioner Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat has been bestowed with a rare honour by the US Department of State in its 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report, where the police commissioner has been recognised as a hero.

Each year, the US Department of State honours individuals around the world who have devoted their lives to fight against human trafficking. They are recognised for their tireless efforts despite resistance, opposition, and threats to their lives to protect victims, punish offenders, and raise awareness about the ongoing criminal practices in their country and abroad.

Mahesh Bhagwat is the only person from India to get the honour for 2017. In its report, the US Department of State said, “Mahesh Bhagwat has demonstrated remarkable commitment to the fight against human trafficking for the last 13 years.

He has participated in anti-trafficking operations that have removed hundreds of victims from situations of trafficking and with the help of other government departments and civil society organisations he has ensured their placement in support programmes.”

The report also said, “Bhagwat’s dedication to the cause was exemplified by his innovative and highly effective approach to investigating cases and his success in dismantling trafficking operations within his command areas.

He has pioneered the use of legal provisions to close sites where human trafficking is known to occur. Under his command, Rachakonda police closed 25 brothels, five hotels and 20 residential apartments in less than a year. He participated in one of the largest crackdowns on labour trafficking in the country, which led to the identification and removal of more than 350 children forced to work in brick kilns.”