In July 2016, 14-year-old Prena was trapped in prostitution in Mumbai. She was held captive by Priya, the daughter of Bindoo Khalkor—a notorious trafficker and habitual offender. Another NGO (non-government organization) was trying to rescue Prena from Mumbai, so Bindoo took her away to a brothel in Nagpur, which prevented them from rescuing her.
Meanwhile, our legal team was fighting a case in Nagpur for Ruma, another young girl we had rescued. She had also been forced into prostitution by Bindoo and was testifying against her. Bindoo had to attend the court case, so she came to Nagpur. Surprisingly, Bindoo brought Prena with her to court! The police noticed the young girl with her, and notified Freedom Firm.
“Once you know a girl, once you know her story,
once you know her face, you don't forget it.
You can't leave her there.
We continue to try to rescue those girls and every other girl.”
—Evan Henck, former Freedom Firm Legal Coordinator
& Director of Field Work
After receiving this information, our team sent an undercover (bogus) customer to Bindoo’s brothel and noted that it was the same brothel where we rescued Ruma. We recognized Prena with wounds on her body from the horrific abuse she endured. Her brothel keeper had made a fake Aadhar (I.D.) card that stated her age as 16 years old, but she looked no more than 14.
On July 29, with the help of the Nagpur police, our team rescued Prena from the brothel in Nagpur. The police arrested 9 people involved in sexually exploiting her. Prena was placed in a government shelter home for her safety.
Because the other NGO team was initially searching for Prena in Mumbai, Prena was placed in their recovery home, so our team had minimal contact with her during her recovery period. Nevertheless, our team coordinated her legal case, and continued to check-in with her periodically.
Prena’s rescue strengthened our case with Ruma against Bindoo; in April, 2018, Bindoo Khalkor was sentenced to 7 years in prison!
In October, 2023, our team member was cross-examined in court regarding Prena’s case. The defense lawyer attempted to confuse and intimidate him, but he stood his ground, and clearly presented the facts. Prena also testified in court, and shared a strong statement.
In August, 2024, 8 years after Prena was rescued. . . we finally received good news! Two of the main accused (including Bindoo Khalkor) were sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs 20,000 (~$240). Of the 7 other accused, 3 were acquitted and 4 are absconding. The judge has ordered for the remaining 4 to be arrested and charged. Bindoo Khalkor was due to be let out of prison in 2025, but thanks to Prena’s brave testimony and our team’s persistence in fighting for justice, Bindoo remains behind bars for another 20 years!!
Our social worker, Asha, recently followed up with Prena, and when she saw Asha, she ran toward her in excitement. Prena is now married and expecting a baby. She seemed happy, and has come a long way in her journey of healing and learning life-skills to sustain herself.
Will you give today to rescue more girls like Prena,
and empower them to testify?
Freedom Firm relies on donations from people like you – thank you for helping to bring rescue and justice to Prena, and for giving her the opportunity to testify in court.
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