14-year-old Esmi Rescued in Varanasi

On April 9, we received information about a minor being exploited in Varanasi. Our team immediately left for Varanasi to verify the lead. After verifying the lead, our team met the Commissioner of Police (CP) the next day and shared our information regarding the victim. The CP directed us to speak with the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) of the Women and Crime Department, who then asked us to meet the Cantonment Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP). After sharing the intel with the ACP, he agreed to initiate a raid. The police and our team planned the rescue operation.

The brothel was situated on a congested street, making it difficult to access. We sensed a possible risk of the brothel being tipped-off, so the police and our team took extra precautions while planning the rescue. 

Later that day, our team met the ACP of Sarnath (an area in Varanasi) at the Sarnath Police Station. The Station House Officer was also present at the meeting, and they both assured us that they would proceed with the rescue operation. 

After all the legal procedures were complete, the police and our team headed to the targeted location. The brothel was a private housing property situated in the middle of the city and was surrounded by various shops. The brothel consisted of two bedrooms and a kitchen. One bedroom was used for living in, and the other was used for prostitution. 

At 3:38 p.m. on April 10, the police and our team raided the brothel and rescued the victim, 14-year-old Esmi. We accompanied Esmi to the police station. The police arrested three males and one female and took them to the police station. 

At 10:49 p.m., the police registered the First Information Report. The female who was arrested was Esmi’s aunt. The three males were customers. 

On April 11, we accompanied Esmi to the hospital for her medical tests, and then she was placed in a shelter home where she remains safe. 

One week later, on April 18, our team rescued Esmi’s 8-year-old sister, Rashida.