On February 8, 2020, Justice Ventures International (JVI) and NGO partner ADITHI coordinated with local police authorities to conduct a rescue intervention in Begusarai, Bihar, in which Rasina*, a 15-year-old sex trafficking victim was rescued from a brothel situated in a residential area.
At the young age of 9, Rasina was kidnapped from Patna (capital of Bihar, India) and brought to a brothel in Begusarai by the brothel owner’s wife. Rasina was physically abused and sexually exploited by customers multiple times a day. In certain regions across India, it is believed that having sexual intercourse with a minor cures terminal illnesses and delays ageing.
Three accused persons were taken into police custody while JVI lawyers assisted police officials in filing the FIR (First Information Report) setting forth violations of the Indian Penal Code, Juvenile Justice Act, Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act (ITPA) and the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO).
JVI staff ensured Rasina was immediately removed from the brothel and transported to a children’s home for recovery. Over the next 24 months, JVI and its aftercare partners will work with Rasina to develop a plan with opportunities for healing and education to restore her dignity and self-worth.
