Not For Sale: Rescuing Victims of HumanTrafficking

Introduction 

"Not for Sale, Rescuing Victims of Human Trafficking" is a Project of Rescue Foundation.  It is being implemented through their 4th Protection Home in Delhi.  

This Project has been set up to care for children from in and around the city of Delhi.  Its a Govt Licenced Home to Rehabilitate, Rescue and Reintegrate Children who are in need of Care & Protection. 

The Project operates through a Investigation & Rescue Team, the Protection Home Team along with the Govt. bodies set up to protect children from abuse and exploitation.

We see mostly children from abusive families, runaway children, those who are exploited sexually or are engaged in factories, hazardous industires.

Progress during the reporting period

Investigations &  Rescue  

Rescue Operations Conducted 15

No of Major Girls Rescued 1

No of Minor Girls Rescued 84

No of Minor Boys Rescued 10

Rehabilitaton

Major Girls Admitted 5

Minor Girls Admitted 28

Major Girls Dischareged & Handed to Families 3

Minor Girls Discharged & Hnaded to Families 35

Care & Protection

Children & Women Cared For 45

Education

Children in School 18

Children in College 2

Non Formal Literacy 45

Coaching for Children 20

Counselling 

Individual Counselling 45

Vocational Training 

Children trained in vocational skills 45

Health Moniotred 45

Cultural & National Days Observed & Celebrated 

Indepence Day 2025 was observed along with Indian Festivals during the period.  Special Food and Dance, Drama by the Children were a hights 

Rescue Operation Case Study 

Detailed Report:

On 18th November 2024, our Rescue Foundation investigation team received credible information that 7-8 minor girls were being illegally employed and exploited in an orchestra group in Siwan, Bihar. The information indicated that the girls were being forced to perform on stage under exploitative and inappropriate conditions.

Upon verifying the information through local sources, we informed the higher authorities and obtained necessary permissions for a rescue operation. On 20th November 2024, the RF team departed from New Delhi by train and reached Siwan on 21st November 2024, despite significant train delays.

Coordination with Police and Rescue Planning

Upon arrival, the team proceeded to the Siwan SP Office and briefed the subordinate officer about the situation. We requested assistance, including a police force of 2-4 sections and a senior officer to lead the operation. The SP directed us to proceed as planned, and a joint operation was coordinated with the police, Childline team, and volunteers.

A meeting point was decided for 2:00 AM midnight, where all teams gathered. During this meeting, roles and responsibilities were assigned to ensure a smooth operation.

First Rescue Location: Music Star Orchestra, Sipah Village

At 2:50 AM, the team initiated the operation and proceeded towards Basantpur. Upon reaching Sipah Village at 6:45 AM, the team informed the local police station and coordinated with the SHO. A raid was conducted at Music Star Orchestra, where the orchestra manager was apprehended. During the search, four minor girls were found confined inside a room. Upon questioning by female police personnel, the girls revealed that they were from West Bengal and aged between 15-17 years. The rescued girls were immediately secured under the protection of female constables and transported in a police vehicle to ensure their safety.

Second Rescue Location: Hindustan Orchestra, Sohilpatti Village

The team then proceeded to Sohilpatti Village, where a raid was conducted at Hindustan Orchestra. The orchestra manager was arrested by the police. Upon searching a locked room, four minor girls were found. During questioning, the girls disclosed that they were held against their will and forced to perform under threatening and exploitative conditions. They also revealed that the accused withheld their earnings. The manager was taken into custody, and the girls were secured by female constables and transported to Basantpur Police Station.

Third Rescue Location: Sangeeta Orchestra, Madarpur Bazaar

From Sohilpatti, the team proceeded to Lakdi Nabiganj with assistance from local police. A raid was conducted at Sangeeta Orchestra in Madaarpur Bazaar, where four more minor girls were rescued. The girls stated that they were forcibly detained and pressured into performing under exploitative conditions.

The rescued girls were transported to Nabiganj Police Station under police protection.

Post-Rescue Procedures

1. Medical Examinations:
   All rescued girls underwent thorough medical examinations at designated district hospitals.
2. Legal Formalities:
   The legal process was completed at the respective police stations, and the rescued girls were presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for further protection and care.
3. Shelter and Support:
   The girls were safely placed in the Siwan Shelter Home, where they were provided with:
• Food and accommodation.
• Counseling and psychological support.
4. Family Reunification Efforts:
   The team is working to contact the families of the rescued minors using the addresses and phone numbers provided, to facilitate their safe return to their hometowns.

Legal Action Against the Accused

The arrested individuals, including the orchestra managers, have been placed into police custody, and appropriate legal action is being taken against them as per the law. Further investigation is ongoing to ensure justice for the rescued minors.

Internal Communication

All developments and updates regarding the rescue operation were communicated in real-time through the Rescue Foundation's internal WhatsApp group.

Conslusion 

We appreacte the support of all our donors for the project, this really unables us to do our job.