On 11th January, Freedom Firm investigators found Sona*, a 15-year-old in the red-light district in Wani, Maharashtra. When the police were alerted and ready to conduct the rescue operation, the area was tipped off and quickly began to shut down.
Our investigators waited in the area until 7 that evening when business started to run as usual. They alerted the police who mobilized their forces once again to conduct the rescue operation.
This time Sona was rescued and her brothel keeper arrested under sections of the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act.
In her statement at the police station, Sona shared that her father is an alcoholic and her mother a daily wage worker. They were not able to provide for the family and forced her into prostitution to make ends meet. She also mentioned that her father came every month to collect money from her.
An age verification test was done to establish her real age as Sona was in possession of a fake I.D. card that stated her age as 21.
Sona is at a shelter home where she will have the chance to recover.
*Name changed to protect identity
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