Kashi was merely fourteen when she was sold by her mother to her maternal uncle and spent six months in captivity, entertaining customers in a brothel. She was rescued in 2020, but justice was yet to be realized.
At her uncle’s trial, Kashi struggled to testify due to pressure from him and her mother. Afterwards, the court released Kashi back to her mother, unaware of the fact that her mother had initiated the trafficking.
Her mother took Kashi from the shelter home and brought her directly back to the brothel.
The Justice Hub team vehemently opposed the court’s decision to hand her back to her mother. A petition to the Patna High Court highlighted the court’s irregularities in not following due procedures and rules for restoring a child back to her home.
This petition, known as the “Hanif Ur Rahman” case, led to a landmark judgment that will ensure observance of crucial steps such as requiring a home investigation report and permission from the Child Welfare Committee. The Justice Hub team has conducted numerous trainings for judicial officers, police, and lawyers to implement the standards outlined in the Hanif Ur Rahman judgment.
However, while this petition was being considered, Kashi remained imprisoned for fourteen months by the uncle her mother returned her to. The Justice Hub team was approached by police to provide support in the rescue of a minor victim, who turned out to be none other than Kashi.
After rescuing her a second time, the Justice Hub team pursued her case again with renewed energy, obtaining sentences of seven to fourteen years in prison against the accused and victim compensation for Kashi.
Kashi has finally received justice, recovering at a shelter home and showing interest in pursuing a hotel management course. The Justice Hub team will monitor her progress to ensure that she continues in her newfound freedom.
Note: Names have been changed to protect privacy.
