Minor girl bought from Bengal for sex trade rescued ~ Bridal Slaves Rescue & Restore campaign

EMPOWER PEOPLE is an NGO in India working to protect female victims of violence and mitigate post-violence trauma. EMPOWER PEOPLE is one of the pioneer organizations focusing on the issue of human trafficking for the purpose of forced marriage.

What is also called "bride trafficking" affects a yet unknown number of girls, particularly from poor backgrounds, who are deceived and trafficked to be sold as brides. According to information gathered by EMPOWER PEOPLE, a middleman seeks an agreement on an arranged marriage with the family of the girls. Later those girls are transferred to another places where there is a high demand of brides, like Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan where they are known as "Paro" or "Molki" (literally perched woman).

The main focus of EMPOWER PEOPLE lies on awareness raising and sensitization trainings for law enforcement agencies. The organization is also offering direct victim support and assistance to women vulnerable to human trafficking and domestic violence.

EMPOWER PEOPLE is currently developing projects of community engagement and rehabilitation of trafficking victims in both source and destination areas in seven states of India.

Visit www.empowerpeople.org.in

Minor girl bought from Bengal for sex trade rescued

A minor girl, who was bought from West Bengal for Rs 55,000 for allegedly pushing her into prostitution was rescued in Nashik, police said on Wednesday. The 13-year-old victim was bought by a woman identified as Suman Khairnar, who physically tortured the girl and was forcing her into sex trade,

operating from her house in Cidco locality, they said.

The girl, who was roughed up and inflicted with cigarette burns by the woman, was rescued last evening with the help of Swabhiman Sanghatan, which informed the police on a tip-off.

Suman and her son-in-law Sanjay Salve, who allegedly bought the girl have been arrested, police added. PTI