August 5, 2022 was like any other bustling day for the city of Navi Mumbai, but not for the seventeen women trapped in a seemingly normal neighborhood. Snatched away from their families and loved ones, these women were forced into prostitution. They were trafficked from locations across India by a syndicate of human traffickers. While living in horrific conditions without enough food to sustain them, they were coerced to entertain multiple clients per day. The traffickers ensured that any access to money or communication with acquaintances was barred.
The atrocity came to light when one of the women managed to escape and confided in a social worker. This led to efficient networking between JVI, its local partners, and Mumbai Police’s Social Service Branch. The team raided the brothel to free the women and apprehended nine members of the syndicate. The agency is now searching for the two main accused who have been leading the trafficking network for many years.
Once out of the shock, the survivors shared how they were lured under false pretenses. Poverty was a common factor that pushed them to seek out work opportunities that were deceptive promises. Some had been trapped for more than eight years.
Currently, the women are residing in a government shelter home and receiving counseling. JVI’s partners will continue to follow them for a minimum of 24 months to ensure their sustained freedom.
