The young girls are more in demand as they are seen as disease-free by tourists, according to others in the trade. The agents therefore charge double for supplying them, pocketing 50 per cent of the amount as commission. The younger the better for some as Alappuzha appears to have become a hunting ground for paedophiles as well.

 

A 2006 a study titled 'Trafficking in Women and Children in India', conducted by the New Delhi based Institute of Social Sciences and sponsored by National Human Rights Commission  last year  found that Alappuzha was a hotspot for child sex and Kerala had overtaken Goa in exploiting children.

 

Most tourists looking for some 'fun' on the side  are top  executives who come in search of houseboat and backwater tourism as it is thought to be  safe with no interference from outside and the police.