Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala, often lauded for its high literacy rates and social welfare measures, is facing a disturbing reality that demands urgent attention. Recent reports have shed light on the rising violence against children in the state, painting a grim picture of social security failures.
According to figures released by the Kerala Police, a shocking 214 children have been killed in criminal cases over the last seven years. This troubling trend indicates a significant increase in violence against children, with a staggering 31,364 incidents reported from 2016 to May 2023. Moreover, the data reveals that 9,604 children have been sexually assaulted during this period, raising serious concerns about child safety in the state.
A concerning factor contributing to the rising violence is the influx of migrant workers who come to Kerala as guests. From Parassala to Manjeshwaram, these migrant workers have been implicated in numerous criminal cases, including 118 murder cases between 2016 and 2022, in which 159 migrant workers were accused.
Authorities have faced criticism for alleged failures in investigating the criminal backgrounds of migrant workers arriving in the state. Although police stations claim to maintain migrant labour registers, accurate figures remain elusive, hinting at an inadequate tracking system.
Ernakulam district is home to the highest number of migrant workers, including some from Bangladesh. Perumbavoor, located in this district, has witnessed instances of violence perpetrated by migrant workers, with a law student’s murder in 2016 being a notable case. It is also a significant hub for migrant workers in Kerala, raising concerns about the influx of individuals with dubious backgrounds.
Reports indicate that some migrants coming from other states have a history of serious criminal activities. There are also instances of individuals engaging in illegal activities, such as cybercrime, using fake identity cards, raising further questions about the state’s ability to verify the authenticity of identity documents.
The situation is exacerbated by the sheer number of migrant workers in Kerala. According to estimates by the Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation in 2013, there were 25 lakh migrant workers in the state. However, the 2021 Planning Board estimates suggest an increase of 34 lakh workers. While many returned to their home states during the COVID-19 pandemic, a substantial portion has since returned, and new workers have joined the workforce, potentially leading to an even larger migrant population.
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