It would not be surprising if the combination of poverty, casteism and misogyny were to destroy the fabric of society. But it is alarming when this combination holds the social fabric together. Without this combination, people in the Bhilwara district of Rajasthan would not know how to pay off their debts or settle financial disputes. Reports indicate that the district has a system of auctioning off girls to settle debts or money quarrels. The refusal to sell a girl results in the mother being raped. All this is overseen by khap panchayats. Since these caste bodies are outlawed, their systematic activity is likely to have come to the notice of the administration — and reports about the system have been emerging for at least three years. The sale is done through stamp paper. What is most shocking is the apparent unawareness — or inertia — of the administration regarding girls from eight to 18 who are being auctioned off into slavery, sexual exploitation, abuse and torture and sent to other states and cities under the official veneer of stamp papers. Responding to a media report, the National Commission for Women has formed a task force to investigate the matter, while the Rajasthan Women’s Commission will be making monthly visits to identify the villages in which this system operates.

The NCW chairperson has asked the chief of Rajasthan police to institute action and has written to the chief secretary demanding to know what has been done or will be done. Not only is the hideousness of caste domination, oppression of the poor and vicious treatment of women laid bare in this system, so also is institutional complicity. Bhilwara reveals the deep-set belief that women can be bought and sold to settle monetary matters between men. The police chief said that his force has arrested some kidnappers and rescued a few girls. With the police so diligent, how can the auctions continue? If the State is serious about the unspeakable breach of human rights and humanity in the abuse, humiliation and terror of the girls, the inquiry into the trafficking ring should not be a cosmetic attempt to win brownie points. A system in which girls are sold via stamp paper demands the police’s full and impartial attention. All that is needed is unwavering political will. Unless that is obsolete.