Freedom Firm works in 6 different states across India. We have a small team in Madhya Pradesh, a region in northern India with many villages built around certain socio-religious traditions. Some of these villages practice the tradition of putting their daughters into prostitution. It’s difficult to combat childhood prostitution when the cultural roots run deep, but in the last couple years we’ve seen progress taking place through successful rescue operations in these areas.
Kiya and Satya were rescued in Madhya Pradesh on April 1st. The young girls, only 14 and 15 years old, are no longer experiencing sexual exploitation. We are encouraged by how the local police responded when our team shared evidence of two young girls in a brothel. They promptly created a strategy to raid the brothel and rescue the girls. In the process, they also arrested the owners of the brothel, a husband and wife team.
At the police station, Kiya and Satya shared their details with our team and the police. The police filed a First Information Report which included Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA) sections 3,5,6,7 and Indian Penal Code (IPC) Act 372 and 373 and 34. Citing these specific laws will strengthen the victims’ case and help prosecute the accused. We accompanied the girls for their medical exams and helped them settle into a government shelter home.
The next day, Kiya and Satya shared their stories and names of the accused in court. They gave strong statements that we hope will bring about a conviction in their case. We are thankful for these rescues, hopeful for justice, and expectant for lives of freedom for these two young girls.