How Was a Bangladeshi Minor Rescued from a Flesh Trade Racket in Mumbai?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Victim rescued from a trafficking racket.
- 12 individuals apprehended.
- Operation carried out by MBVV police.
- Involvement of multiple agents in trafficking.
- Victim undergoing recovery and counseling.
Mumbai, Aug 13 (NationPress) A Bangladeshi minor girl, who endured horrific sexual exploitation and abuse for three months across Maharashtra, was liberated by the Maharashtra police, leading to the arrest of at least 12 individuals directly linked to the flesh trade operation.
This racket, which was based in Naigaon, located approximately 50 km from Mumbai, sent shockwaves through the region as disturbing revelations emerged about her mistreatment and brutalization for over three months, allegedly by more than 200 men.
Upon the busting of the prostitution ring by Mumbai police, it was discovered that the Bangladeshi girl had been coerced into the flesh trade through the forgery of her documents. The human trafficking syndicate also had female operatives involved in their illicit activities.
In an interview with IANS, a police official disclosed the methods employed by the traffickers to ensnare the minor girl in prostitution.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Madan Ballal from the Mira-Bhayander Vasai-Virar (MBVV) Police Commissionerate characterized the case as both grave and sensitive due to the minor’s involvement. "We have rescued two victims, one being a 14-year-old girl and the other aged 21. Nine suspects are currently detained, including two agents. The victims were enticed to India, subjected to torture, and forced into sexual acts. Their ages were misrepresented using counterfeit documents, and we are actively pursuing further arrests, including clients involved in this heinous crime," he stated.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the MBVV police, under the guidance of Police Commissioner Niket Kaushik and in collaboration with NGOs Exodus Road India Foundation and Harmony Foundation, executed the rescue operation on July 26 to free the minor from her captors.
The victim, hailing from Bangladesh, recounted a harrowing story to the officials. She disclosed that she fled her home after failing an exam, fearing severe punishment from her parents. A woman named Ruby, who was familiar to her, deceived her into coming to Kolkata, where fraudulent documents were generated to misrepresent her age, facilitating her exploitation.
From Kolkata, the minor was trafficked to Nadiad in Gujarat, where she faced rape and blackmail. An older man allegedly took indecent photographs of her, using them to manipulate her into prostitution. The cycle of abuse persisted as she was sold and resold across various cities in Gujarat and Maharashtra, ensnared by fear and intimidation.
The breakthrough occurred when intelligence reached the MBVV police and their NGO partners regarding the girl’s situation in Naigaon. Acting promptly on Commissioner Kaushik’s directives, the AHTU formulated a detailed plan for her rescue. The operation concluded successfully, and she was subsequently placed in the care of the Child Welfare Committee in Ulhasnagar, Thane, where she is currently receiving counseling and support to aid her recovery from the trauma.
The investigation has revealed alarming details, including the involvement of 12 Bangladeshi agents in the trafficking network. Authorities have apprehended nine individuals so far, including two principal agents believed to be masterminding the operation.
The Naigaon police are proceeding with caution, given the serious nature of the case and the minor’s vulnerability. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities committed to dismantling this trafficking network.