Again 18 minor girls rescued by STOP in Delhi

The rescue of 18 minor girls by STOP in Delhi

Through the information network of STOP, our partner, we received information on 1st december 2009, that one minor girl Mila has been forcibly confined in a brothel in Delhi. Mila was duped, trafficked, and forced into commercial sexual exploitation seven months back in 2009. The informer got information about Mila regarding the hideouts, where also other minor girls were present who also were imprisoned and awfully suffered rape, torture, pain and anxiety.

On 9th November 2009 we arranged an appointment with Deputy Commissioner of the Central Police. We showed him the hidden-camera images and asked him permission and cooperation for the rescue of Mila and other minor girls. We also requested him not to disclose or share this information to the local Police Station. Often the local police are hand in gloves with the local mafia and pimps. After listening to all this, the Commissioner assured us that he will be involving those police officers who are his very own trusted people, but he said that he needs to involve the Station House Officer (SHO), who is known for her honesty.

Rescue time was set for 7:00 pm, our informer was asked to visit the brothel and to “book” Mila from 6:45 pm. In the mean time all the police officers selected by DCP, gathered inside the DCP Central office. They were briefed and were divided into three groups which comprised of six male police officers, one lady constable and one inspector. However, till the last moment police officers where not told which brothel was to be raided (this to prevent that a corrupt policeman would call a pimp by mobile and the raid would fail). Only in group number 2, that comprised of two STOP’s rescue team members the photograph of 14 years old Mila was shown ONLY to the SHO-officer.

At sharp 7:15 pm, five cars where sent one by one along with the police personnel all dressed in plain clothes, dispatched from office, for surrounding the corresponding brothel. After reaching at G.B Road, they took position near the brothel front gate, middle gate and roof top to plug all the escape routes. All the police officers were posing as customers, behaving like all the other “usual” brothel visitors. One of our earlier rescued girls (Reena), who was trained during years to help rescuing new girls, went in the brothel, dressed in a burka. In the meantime the male “customers” present in the targeted brothel were suddenly taken aback and shocked when they saw a burkha-clad women rushing in! Before they could react instantly, our informer came out of the cubicle and let Reena inside. She found Mila frightened under the cot. Suddenly Reena encountered a large number of older brothel women, who bolted the room from inside & tried to tear apart her burkha & forcefully tried to trap her inside.

Due to her courage and presence of mind she sent SOS message to Ms. Roma, President of STOP, the SOS call said, “I am trapped inside the room and it is bolted from inside.” Immediately, Ms. Roma, who was controlling and monitoring the whole operation, called SHO and our team and told them to look for Reena. During this entire ordeal Reena never left Mila’s hand. Both of them were tightly hugging each other as instructed earlier by the informer. This trust bond is very important before any targeted intervention of rescue operation is planned. The Inspector swung into action, forcefully opened the door and separated Reena and Mila from the clutches of perpetrators. By this time the head officer and SHO officer reached at the spot and escorted Mila and Reena downstairs where a police car was waiting. They were taken immediately to the police station. While they were leaving the brothel, local pimps tried to obstruct their way. Mila was in a very pitiable condition as she was dressed in her inners only. Reena gave her burkha to cover Mila who was shivering with fear, cold, and anxiety.

The Rescue operation was still continuing in other brothels. Ms. Roma was still monitoring the situation and informed ACP to carry on with the operation of rescuing all minor looking girls. Fifteen Nepali girls and three Indian girls were recovered from two other brothels. Three women who are suspected to be traffickers & perpetrators were apprehended. All of them where brought to the police station for further interrogation. Ms. Roma along with Reena and Mila were in a car. Mila was kept hidden in the car as she will be the main complainant. The case will be framed on the basis of her given statement against the local mafia & perpetrators. Mila and seventeen other rescued girls were taken to SHO’s room. Complaint was lodged and statements were recorded. Next day their statements were recorded in front of the Magistrate.

All the 18 rescued girls in the meantime stay in our STOP Family Home in Delhi. Here they get full care and support till the process is over and the criminals are sentenced. People’s Trust Netherlands guarantees the costs for the refuge and later also for the refuge and rehabilitation in Nepal.