Bangladeshi Teen Sexually Abused By 200 Men Over 3 Months, Rescued In Palghar
Palghar Sex Racket Horror: Bangladeshi Teen’s Ordeal and Rescue
Quick News Summary
In a deeply disturbing case from Maharashtra’s Palghar district, police rescued a 14-year-old Bangladeshi girl from a sex trafficking racket. The minor revealed that she was sexually abused by over 200 men in just three months after being lured from Bangladesh and pushed into prostitution. She was reportedly given sedatives and hormonal injections to make her appear older and was even branded with a hot spoon to intimidate her into submission. The operation to rescue her was conducted on July 26 by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Mira-Bhayander Vasai-Virar Police, in collaboration with NGOs Exodus Road and Harmony Foundation. Three Bangladeshi nationals — Mohammad Khalid Abdul Bapari, Juber Harun Sheikh, and Shamim Gafar Sardar — were arrested. The case has sparked outrage, renewed calls for stronger anti-trafficking laws, and highlighted the need for cross-border cooperation to combat human trafficking.
Three Months of Hell
The victim’s testimony paints a horrifying picture. Over three months, she was forced to serve more than 200 clients. The traffickers reportedly used sedatives to numb her resistance and hormonal injections to make her look older than her age—an insidious method to deceive clients and evade suspicion.
As if the physical abuse wasn’t enough, she was branded with a hot spoon — a cruel act meant to psychologically break her spirit and remind her she “belonged” to them. This method of control is disturbingly common in organized trafficking networks.
The Rescue Operation
On July 26, acting on a tip-off, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) teamed up with NGOs Exodus Road and Harmony Foundation to conduct a raid in Naigaon, Vasai. The operation was meticulously planned, with undercover operatives posing as customers to confirm the victim’s presence.
The raid resulted in the rescue of the minor and another woman. Three alleged traffickers — Mohammad Khalid Abdul Bapari, Juber Harun Sheikh, and Shamim Gafar Sardar — were arrested at the scene. All three are Bangladeshi nationals suspected of being part of a larger trafficking network operating between Bangladesh and India.
FAQs
Q1: How was the Bangladeshi teen rescued in Palghar?
A1: She was rescued during a July 26 raid by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and NGOs, based on a tip-off.
Q2: How many traffickers were arrested in the case?
A2: Three Bangladeshi nationals were arrested — Mohammad Khalid Abdul Bapari, Juber Harun Sheikh, and Shamim Gafar Sardar.
Q3: What legal charges do the accused face?
A3: Charges under POCSO Act, IPC sections, ITPA, and Foreigners Act.
Q4: Why is cross-border human trafficking between Bangladesh and India common?
A4: Porous borders, poverty, and corruption make it easier for traffickers to operate.
Q5: What is being done to prevent such crimes?
A5: NGOs and police are working together, but experts call for stronger laws, faster trials, and better victim rehabilitation.
