Palghar Shocker: 12-Year-Old Girl Forced Into Prostitution, Allegedly Raped By 200 People; 10 Arrested

Palghar, Maharashtra: In a disturbing case of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, ten individuals have been apprehended for kidnapping a 12-year-old girl from Bangladesh and coercing her into prostitution over a period of three months. The victim was rescued on July 26 from Naigaon during an operation by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Mira-Bhayander Vasai-Virar (MBVV) police, with assistance from NGOs Exodus Road India Foundation and Harmony Foundation. Of the 10 persons arrested so far, six are Bangladeshi nationals and two of the accused women, aged 32 and 33, are suspected of facilitating her illegal entry into India. The victim was allegedly trafficked to different locations, including Navi Mumbai, Pune in Maharashtra, and Nadiad in Gujarat.

Trauma and Exploitation

The victim, a girl who had recently completed her 7th standard exams and was preparing to enter 8th grade, ran away from home out of fear of parental scolding over her academic performance. She was approached by a Bangladeshi woman who lured her and illegally transported her to Kolkata. From there, a broker flew her to Mumbai. 

She was handed over to Mohammad Khalid Abdul Bapari (33), a Bangladeshi national, who kept her in Navi Mumbai. It was there that she was allegedly raped and forced into prostitution. When she resisted, she was subjected to severe beatings and torture, leaving burn marks on her body. Subsequently, she was transferred to different brokers and locations.

Police officials also said the girl may have been given hormonal injections to induce premature puberty, and sedatives to keep her from running away.

Forced into Commercial Sex Trade

In Nadiad, Gujarat, she was placed under the control of brokers Pritiben Mohida (37) and Niket Patel (35). During her three-month stay in the state, she was reportedly raped by at least 200 men. 

Police sources say the clients paid between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000 per session, but the victim was only given Rs 500 for each encounter, with promises of being sent home soon.

Rescue and Arrests

The victim was eventually rescued after an NGO received information about her plight, with assistance from the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit. 

Authorities have so far arrested nine individuals linked to the case, including:

Bangladeshi nationals: Mohammad Khalid Abdul Bapari (33), Juber Sheikh (38), Shamim Sardar (39), and Ruby Bapari (21)

Indian suspects: Ujwal Kundu (35), Parveen Kundu (32) from Virar; Pritiben Mohida (37) and Niket Patel (35) from Kheda district, Gujarat; and Sohel Sheikh (23) from Ahilyanagar.

Investigation underway

A police team has been dispatched to Ahilyanagar for further investigations. Efforts are on to unravel a wider racket. MBVV police chief Niket Kaushik said teams have been dispatched to various places in the country.

The girl’s family in Bangladesh has been contacted, and arrangements are underway to return her through legal channels.

Naigaon Police Station Inspector Abhijeet Madke stated that more arrests are anticipated as the investigation progresses. Authorities are committed to bringing all involved to justice and ensuring the safety and rehabilitation