On October 10, 2024, we received intel about a suspected minor and a Bangladeshi victim being exploited at a lodge in Nashik, Maharashtra. After verifying the details, we proceeded to Nashik late that night.
On October 11, we presented our evidence to the Commissioner of Police. After a productive meeting, we presented our evidence to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP. He was also cooperative and agreed to initiate a raid. Due to a Hindu festival that weekend, there was talk about postponing the raid because many police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order.
We requested they initiate the raid immediately due to the possibility of the victims being moved. The police agreed.
On October 11, at 8:00 p.m., the police and our team raided the lodge in Nashik and rescued the suspected minor as well as three other women (two were from Bangladesh). The police arrested the manager and two customers and collected incriminating evidence from the lodge. At 11:30 p.m., the police completed writing their reports. Then we proceeded to the police station with the police, the victims, and the accused.
On October 12, at 5:30 a.m., the police completed filing the First Information Reports. Shortly afterwards, our social worker accompanied the victims to their medical tests.
Later that day, the police escorted the victims to the Nashik District Court. While the victims were presented before the court, an advocate arrived and attempted to convince the victims to sign a document, but our social worker interrupted the intrusion and reprimanded the advocate. The advocate then sought permission from the court to persuade the victims to sign the document, but the court denied the advocate’s request.
The survivors are remain safe in a shelter home, and our team continues to investigate their stories and support them in their recovery.
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