HYDERABAD: Rachakonda Commissioner of Police Mahesh Bhagwat has won recognition as a hero for his efforts in combating trafficking.

The Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, US Department of State, has listed him in the 2017 TIP Report Heroes released on Tuesday. This is for the first time any Indian police official receiving the honor.

Recognizing the efforts of the 1995 batch IPS officer, the report described Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat as one who has demonstrated remarkable commitment to the fight against human trafficking for the last 13 years rescuing the lives of hundreds of women. 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 organizations, has ensured their placement in support programs.

The report said Bhagwat's dedication to the fight against human trafficking 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 and participated in one of the largest crackdowns on labor trafficking in the country, which led to the identification and removal of more than 350 children forced to work in brick kilns. In addition to being a central figure in trafficking deterrence efforts, Bhagwat also constantly pushes for human trafficking to be a top priority for the Telangana state of India," the report said.

Among other heroes listed in the report are Alika Kinan (Argentina), Leonardo Sakamoto (Brazil), Vanaja Jasphine (Cameroon), Viktoria Sebhelyi (Hungary), Amina Oufroukhi (Morocco), Allison Lee (Taiwan), and Boom Mosby (Thailand).

"Each year, the Department of State honors individuals around the world who have devoted their lives to the fight against human trafficking. These individuals are NGO workers, lawmakers, police officers, and concerned citizens who are committed to ending modern slavery. They are recognized for their tireless efforts-despite resistance, opposition, and threats to their lives-to protect victims, punish offenders, and raise awareness of ongoing criminal practices in their countries and abroad," the US Department of State.