On February 22, 2024, we received a lead about a minor girl, Ramini, who was forced into prostitution in the red-light area in Agra. We learned that Ramini traveled to Agra with a boy she was in love with. Ramini was from Rajasthan and part of the *Kanjar community. When Ramini arrived in Agra, she discovered that her boyfriend was married to another girl. He forced Ramini into prostitution, and she was unable to get out.
We presented evidence of Ramini’s need for rescue to the police in Agra, and after examining the evidence, they agreed to initiate a rescue.
On February 23, we waited for the police to conduct the raid together; however, they called that afternoon to say there had been a major road accident, resulting in one death and two people in critical condition. Apparently, a mob had formed and blocked a road in protest and the police were involved in controlling the situation. They said they would call later that day to discuss the raid. The police called late that evening, saying it was too late to initiate a raid, but they would do it the next day.
On February 24, our team called to confirm the raid with the police, and arrived at the police station in the afternoon. We discussed various strategies with the police team, and after confirming the victim’s location, the police and our team proceeded to the red-light area in Agra.
At 2:45 p.m., the police and our team raided the brothel. We rescued Ramini, and the police detained four people: two female handlers and two customers. The brothel keeper managed to escape from the brothel during the raid.
After the police collected evidence and wrote their initial reports, our team proceeded to the police station with Ramini and the accused. Ramini was relieved to be rescued.
On February 25, at 5:40 p.m., the police completed filing the First Information Report. Later that day, we accompanied Ramini to her medical tests at the government hospital. Ramini’s medical reports revealed that she was 17 years old.
The Child Welfare Committee ordered Ramini to be placed in a shelter home for her safety.
On February 26th, Ramini gave her 164 statement at a Sessions Court in Agra. (This voluntary statement outlines the crimes a victim endured and identifies the accused before the magistrate.) Ramini shared about how she was forced into prostitution, and she named the people who exploited her. This crucial information assists in our pursuit of justice.
The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) reviewed Ramini's case and decided to place her in a shelter home in Agra. We are grateful that the CWC did not return Ramini to her family, as this would likely lead to her being re-trafficked. Our team continues to support Ramini and fight for justice.
Ramini remains safe at the shelter home, and the police continue to search for the brothel keeper.
*Kanjar Community: This is a nomadic community historically engaged in prostitution. Kanjar women who marry do not participate in prostitution, but girls in the same family are often forced into prostitution from a very young age.