A 14-year-old Bangladeshi girl was rescued from an alleged sex trafficking racket in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, where she claimed to have been sexually abused by at least 200 men over three months. The rescue took place on July 26 during a joint operation by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Mira-Bhayander Vasai-Virar Police in collaboration with NGOs Exodus Road India Foundation and Harmony Foundation.
Police have arrested ten people, including two women accused of facilitating the minor’s illegal entry into India. Three of the five victims rescued are Bangladeshi nationals. The allegations are currently being verified, and investigations into the trafficking network continue.
A Disturbing Account of Trafficking and Abuse
According to the victim’s statement recorded at a juvenile detention centre, the girl ran away from her home in Bangladesh after failing a school subject. She was allegedly trafficked into India through the help of a woman acquaintance who facilitated her illegal crossing into Gujarat. In Nadiad, Gujarat, she claims to have suffered sexual abuse by at least 200 men over a period of three months before being moved to Maharashtra’s Palghar district.
The rescue in Naigaon, Vasai, uncovered an exploitative trafficking network that subjected vulnerable girls, many Bangladeshi, to brutal abuse. Senior inspector Vijay Kadam confirmed the arrests of ten suspects, including two women aged 32 and 33 who allegedly facilitated the trafficking.
Police officials also suspect the girl may have been administered hormonal injections to induce premature puberty, a cruel method reportedly used by traffickers. The victims have been placed under the care of NGOs, with police working to trace all involved abusers.
Ongoing Efforts Against a Widespread Trafficking Network
This case highlights the grim reality of human trafficking rings operating across state and national borders. Police Commissioner Niket Kaushik emphasised that the authorities are undertaking exhaustive efforts to dismantle the entire network and ensure the safety of vulnerable minors.
The arrested include main accused Mohammad Khalid Abdul Bapari, alleged to have coordinated the trafficking and movement of victims across cities including Navi Mumbai, Pune, and locations in Gujarat and Karnataka.
Human rights activists have expressed grave concerns over the exploitation methods, noting reports of victims being branded with hot spoons and sedated with drugs to control them. Activist Abraham Mathai demanded that all 200 men alleged to have abused the girl be identified and brought to justice, underscoring the importance of thorough investigation and victim protection.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This horrifying case exposes the urgent need for vigilant, compassionate, and coordinated responses to human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The Logical Indian honours the resilience of survivors and applauds the sustained efforts by law enforcement and civil society partners in rescuing and rehabilitating victims. Upholding human dignity requires continued focus on prevention, survivor support, and social awareness campaigns.
