Odisha Teen Rescued After Alleged Human Trafficking to Uttar Pradesh; Prime Accused Arrested
A 15-year-old tribal girl from Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, who was allegedly trafficked to Uttar Pradesh on the false promise of a job and subjected to abuse and rape for more than two years, has been rescued, police officials said.
Acting on the survivor’s complaint, police have registered a case under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. An investigation is currently underway.
According to investigators, the teenager had been desperately looking for work to arrange money for her mother’s surgery.
Taking advantage of the family’s financial difficulties, a local agent allegedly assured her of employment in Bhubaneswar.
Instead, he reportedly transported her to Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh.
Police alleged that the broker sold the minor to a man in Jhansi for Rs 1 lakh.
The girl was reportedly kept inside a house for nearly three months before being trafficked again to another person for Rs 50,000. During this ordeal, she had become pregnant.
During her time in captivity, the teenager allegedly faced severe hardship. Police sources said she was often neglected and was reportedly denied food on several occasions.
Her ordeal came to an end on May 19 when a local lawyer intervened and helped present her before the police in Jhansi.
Following the rescue, Uttar Pradesh Police arranged a train ticket for her return journey to Odisha.
After reaching Dhenkanal, she recounted her experience to authorities and formally lodged a complaint on May 23.
Dhenkanal Superintendent of Police Abhinav Sonkar confirmed that the main accused, who allegedly trafficked the girl initially, has been arrested.
The accused, 46-year-old Binay Patra, was apprehended from Visakhapatnam during a police operation.
“Two police teams have been sent to Jhansi to carry forward the investigation and gather additional evidence,” SP Sonkar said.
Jitendra Kumar Mallik, Inspector-in-Charge of Kamakhyanagar Police Station, said officers are currently questioning several individuals linked to the case.
He added that the survivor’s statement has been recorded and that she has been placed under the care of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Dhenkanal.
The incident has drawn strong reactions from human rights organisations.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the Directors General of Police of Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, as well as the Dhenkanal District Magistrate.
The commission has sought a detailed report within two weeks, seeking updates on the investigation and information on the measures being taken to ensure the survivor’s welfare, rehabilitation and protection.
Meanwhile, Odisha State Commission for Women Chairperson Shovana Mohanty visited the survivor at her residence on May 30 to review her condition and assess the support being provided.
“Police have been directed to ensure the swift arrest of every person involved in this crime. I am personally keeping a close watch on the progress of the investigation,” Mohanty said.
