Police hesitant to file FIR for minor victims

On the 8th of July 2025, we learned about a minor from Rajasthan who was being sexually exploited in a brothel in Sangli, Maharashtra. After gathering sufficient information, we met with the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Sangli, and shared the information we had on the minor.  

The DySP agreed to initiate a raid and connected us with members of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and other police officers who would be part of the rescue operation. At 5 pm, we were at the police station coordinating with the police who were assigned to carry out the rescue operation.

As we discussed rescue strategies, the Police Inspector who would be leading the rescue operation suggested postponing the rescue operation as he did not have sufficient police personnel to carry out the rescue operation. We requested him to continue with the rescue as planned as there was a high possibility the victim would be relocated. 

Just before we could leave for the rescue operation, it started raining heavily- this created a few issues.  The DySP decided to postpone the rescue operation to the next morning stating it would be better to complete the post rescue procedures on the same day.

On 9th July we met the Police Inspector who was handling the rescue operation. We did a checklist of all protocols and procedures that needed to be carried out pre and post the rescue. 

Rescue operation

At 5:15 pm, the police raided the brothel and two victims were rescued, 17-year-old Chandu (who we were tracking) and Rupal who also appeared to be between 16-18 years.  The police continued to search the brothel and collect incriminating evidence. The police questioned people from the next house inquiring about the owner of the house and brothel keeper, however no one had any helpful information. After the police completed their reports, the victims and our team proceeded to the police station. 

At the police station the Police Inspector was hesitant to file a First Information Report (FIR) since the house owner and brothel keeper were absconding. After some discussions our advocate clarified that a FIR could be registered under Section 14 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA), even in the absence of the accused. Even in light of this information the Police Inspector was still hesitant and refused to file a FIR. 

Rescued Victim

On 10th July at 1:23 am we sent an email to the Superintendent of Police requesting his assistance to ensure the FIR was filed.  In the morning, we submitted a letter to the Police Inspector to register an FIR. He still was apprehensive.  We shared a copy of the Prerna Judgment urging him to review its guidelines for senior police officers.  After going through the judgment, the Police Inspector called the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Sangli, to gain some further clarity on the situation.  On the CWC’s guidance, the police agreed to file the FIR once the victim’s medical and ossification results were out.

Chandu and Rupal were brought to the CWC so that their statements could be recorded. The CWC staff counselled the girls and then passed an order for their medical tests to be conducted, and we accompanied them. 

We received the victims’ reports on the 15th - both were confirmed as minors. We took a copy of the reports and met the CWC who then issued a letter to the Police Inspector to file the FIR under ITPA and The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. We then presented the letter to the Police Inspector.

On 16th July, the FIR was filed. Both Chandu and Rupal are in a protective home. The CWC requested us to be available to help Chandu and Rupal and conduct a Home Investigation Report in their homes.