Popular Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi has been sentenced to two years in prison for a 2003 human trafficking case. 

“He has been taken into custody (by police). His application for release on probation also dismissed by court,” Advocate Gurmeet Singh, complainant’s lawyer told news agency ANI. 

A Patiala distrcit court upheld the conviction and Additional Sessions judge HS Grewal ordered the immediate arrest of the singer. A total of 31 cases have been filed against Daler Mehndi and his brother Shamsher Singh.

What is human trafficking?

According to the official website of the United Nations, Human Trafficking is “the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for profit.” The crime occurs in every region of the world and people of all ages and from all backgrounds can become victims of it. 

In simple words, it is the illegal transport of individuals by force or deception for the purpose of labour, sexual exploitation, or activities in which others benefit financially, britannica.com states. 

Also Read | Human trafficking laws in India: Explained

Those involved in trafficking often target people who are vulnerable to a variety of reasons, including psychological or emotional vulnerability, economic difficulties, lack of a social safety net, natural disasters, or political instability.

The trauma inflicted can be so great at times that many of the victims may not even identify themselves as victims or ask for help, United States Department of Homeland Security states. 

Also Read | Daler Mehndi sentenced: Punjabi singer’s age, net worth, family, Instagram and more

According to the National Crime and Records Bureau (NCRB) Crime in India Report, 2,088 trafficking cases were reported under the IPC in the year 2019 compared with 1,830 trafficking cases in 2018 and 2,854 trafficking cases that were reported in 2017.