Latest news with #Mathai
NDTV
13 hours ago
- NDTV
Bangladeshi Teen Sexually Abused By 200 Men Over 3 Months, Rescued In Palghar
Palghar: A 14-year-old Bangladeshi girl rescued from a sex racket in Maharashtra's Palghar district has told police she was sexually assaulted by at least 200 men in a span of three months, an official said on Monday, adding the claim was being verified. The minor was rescued after the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Mira-Bhayander Vasai-Virar Police, in a joint operation with NGOs Exodus Road India Foundation and Harmony Foundation, raided a flat in Naigaon in Vasai here on July 26, the official said. Six of those arrested and three of the five victims, including the 14-year-old girl, are Bangladeshi nationals, he said. Among those arrested are two women, aged 33 and 32, who allegedly facilitated the juvenile's entry into India from Bangladesh. So far, ten persons have been arrested, Naigaon police station senior inspector Vijay Kadam said. As per her statement given at a juvenile detention centre, she was first trafficked to Nadiad in Gujarat, where she suffered sexual abuse, another police official said. Harmony Foundation president Abraham Mathai said the girl had failed in a subject in school, after which she ran away from home. She was then made to cross over into India illegally by a woman acquaintance who then pushed her into the flesh trade, Mathai claimed. All the 200 men who allegedly sexually abused her must be traced and arrested, Mathai demanded. Police officials also said the girl may have been given hormonal injections to induce premature puberty. Human rights activist Madhu Shankar said there are instances of victims being kidnapped from various parts of the country when they were infants, made to live with those operating such rackets, and then pushed into the flesh trade as minors after being given such injections. MBVV police commissioner Niket Kaushik said the force is taking all efforts to expose the entire racket and provide a safe environment to vulnerable teenagers. Another official told PTI the allegations of the teen girl are being verified. As per police, the victims of the sex racket busted on July 26 in Naigaon were allegedly trafficked to different locations like Navi Mumbai, Pune in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and other places in the country. Those arrested include main accused Mohammad Khalid Abdul Bapari (33), who was allegedly responsible for sending the victims to various cities for flesh trade, and agents Juber Harun Sheikh (38) and Shamim Gafar Sardar (39), the police said. The accused also gave sedatives to the minor girl, branded her with a hot spoon as part of efforts to force her into the flesh trade, the official said. Police teams have been dispatched to various places in the country to apprehend others involved in the racket, he said. A case was registered on July 27 under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Juvenile Justice Act, Foreigners Act and the Passport Act, the police added.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Bangladeshi girl, 14, rescued from sex racket in Maharashtra says 200 men abused her in 3 months
She ran away from home in Bangladesh after she failed a subject in school, and ended up in a sex racket across the border in India, where 200 men sexually assaulted her in three months since — this is what a 14-year-old girl rescued from Maharashtra's Palghar district has reportedly told the police and her rescuers. Of the 10 persons arrested so far after a raid on a flat in Naigaon in Vasai on July 26, six are Bangladeshi nationals. These include three of the five victims, including the 14-year-old girl.(Pixabay/Representative) Officials said her statement is being verified. The girl was rescued by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Mira-Bhayander Vasai-Virar Police, in a joint operation with NGOs Exodus Road India Foundation and Harmony Foundation. Of the 10 persons arrested so far after a raid on a flat in Naigaon in Vasai on July 26, six are Bangladeshi nationals. These include three of the five victims, including the 14-year-old girl, who were allegedly trafficked to different locations, including Navi Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra, and places in Gujarat and Karnataka, too. In her statement at a juvenile detention centre, the 14-year-old said she was first trafficked to Nadiad in Gujarat, where she suffered abuse, a police official told PTI. How the Bangladeshi teen ended up in sex racket Harmony Foundation president Abraham Mathai said the girl had failed in a subject in school, after which she ran away from home. She was then made to cross over into India illegally by a woman she knew, who then pushed her into the flesh trade, Mathai was quoted saying. Police officials also said the girl may have been given hormonal injections to induce premature puberty, and sedatives to keep her from running away. The traffickers and agents branded her with a hot spoon to force her into submission, an official told PTI. Human rights activist Madhu Shankar told the news agency that there are several instances of girls being abducted when they are infants, and then pushed into the flesh trade as minors after being given such injections. Racket may be wider, say cops Those arrested after the Palghar raid include main accused Mohammad Khalid Abdul Bapari (33), who allegedly trafficked the victims to various cities; and Juber Harun Sheikh (38) and Shamim Gafar Sardar (39), also alleged to be agents. Efforts are on to unravel a wider racket. MBVV police chief Niket Kaushik said teams have been dispatched to various places in the country. A case was registered on July 27 under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Juvenile Justice Act, Foreigners Act and the Passport Act, the police added.
News18
a day ago
- News18
12-Year-Old Bangladeshi Girl Raped By 200 Men Over 3 Months Near Mumbai, 10 Arrested
Last Updated: 10 people have been arrested after a 12-year-old Bangladeshi girl, rescued from a prostitution racket in Vasai, alleged rape by over 200 men in three months In a shocking case, a 12-year-old Bangladeshi girl has alleged that she was sexually exploited by more than 200 men over a span of three months before being rescued from a prostitution racket in Naigaon, near Vasai in Palghar district of Maharashtra. According to officials, the rescue took place on July 26 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. 10 people have been arrested so far. 'The 12-year-old girl in the juvenile home said that she was first taken to Nadiad in Gujarat and was sexually abused by more than 200 men over a period of three months there. This girl has not even seen her adolescence, but her childhood has been snatched away by such brutes," said Harmony Foundation founder-president Abraham Mathai. Mathai also said that the girl had run away with a woman she knew after failing a subject in school and fearing her parents' reaction. 'That woman brought her to India secretly and pushed her into prostitution," he said, demanding the arrest of all the men the child named. Police Commissioner Niket Kaushik said the MBVV police are 'using all its strength to expose the whole network and ensure a safe environment for vulnerable teenagers". Similar cases are being reported regularly. 'I have often seen minor girls begging in the Vashi and Belapur areas, often stolen from villages as children, brought to cities and then exploited. They are managed by one or two older women who also push them into prostitution. They are also given hormonal injections so that they mature quickly," said social activist Madhu Shankar. Police have said the investigation is ongoing to trace all individuals involved in the network, including those accused of exploitation. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: August 11, 2025, 12:37 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Raped by 200 men in 3 months: 12-year-old Bangladeshi girl rescued in flesh trade racket bust in Mumbai
Mumbai: Revealing the brutal realities of human trafficking , a 12-year-old Bangladeshi girl rescued during a recent flesh trade racket bust at Naigaon in Vasai said she was sexually abused by over 200 men in a span of three months. The girl was rescued on July 26, after NGOs Exodus Road India Foundation and Harmony Foundation assisted the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar (MBVV) Police. Ten people have been arrested in this case so far. "At the remand home, the 12-year-old girl said she was first taken to Nadiad in Gujarat and sexually abused by over 200 men in a span of three months. This girl has not even reached her teenage years, but her childhood has been stolen by such monsters in the flesh trade," said Abraham Mathai, founder- chairman of Harmony Foundation. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai "As the girl had failed in one subject in school, out of fear of her strict parents she decided to run away from home along with a woman who was an acquaintance. The woman sneaked her into India and pushed her into flesh trade," said Mathai, demanding the arrest of all 200 men who abused the girl. Police commissioner Niket Kaushik assured that MBVV police is "using its full force to unearth the entire network and ensure a safe environment for vulnerable adolescents". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Most Gorgeous Women, Ranked BigGlobalTravel Undo Mathai pointed out that this child's ordeal is not a solitary tragedy. "Behind every such rescue," he said, "is a child who wasn't heard; a child failed first by those meant to protect her, and then by a society that only reacts when it's too late." When parents, often with good intentions, wield strictness, they can unknowingly build walls where bridges are needed, he added. Activist Madhu Shankar said: "I have often seen minor girls begging in Vashi and Belapur areas, who are often stolen as babies from villages, brought to cities and then exploited. They are handled by one or two elderly women who also push them into prostitution. They are even administered hormonal injections so that they attain puberty earlier." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
News18
29-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Stop Putting It Off: What's Really Making Indian Women Delay Cervical Screenings
Last Updated: If you are a woman over 30 years or if you care for someone who is, consider discussing cervical cancer screening with a healthcare provider Cervical cancer may be the second most common cancer among women in India, but it's also one of the most preventable and treatable especially when detected early. In fact, up to 95% of cases can be successfully managed with timely screening. Yet, thousands of women delay or avoid it altogether. The reasons are not always medical. In many cases, they are emotional, social, and deeply cultural. From stigma around reproductive health to a lack of awareness about symptoms like irregular bleeding or unusual discharge, these silent barriers are especially pronounced in semi-urban and rural areas, where the disease burden is higher. Despite government guidelines recommending screening every five years for women aged 30 onwards, participation remains worryingly low. 'Cervical cancer's burden in India is compounded by low awareness, stigma, and emotional inhibition—women often dismiss early symptoms or delay screening out of fear or shame, not realizing risk exists even without symptoms. Changing this conversation and normalizing regular, symptom-free screening from age 30 is vital to empower women to prioritize their health and improve survival outcomes," says Dr Sonia Mathai, Gynaecological Oncologist, Preventive Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata. Dr Mathai shares five of the most significant reasons Indian women delay or avoid cervical cancer screening, along with practical strategies for overcoming these challenges: Strategic educational programs implemented through schools, social media outreach, and trained community health workers play a crucial role in bridging these knowledge gaps. Consistent, clear information and first-hand survivor accounts can empower women to recognize the importance of screening and prioritize their health, especially in the absence of symptoms. Regular reinforcement and targeted health education have been shown to significantly increase awareness and improve attitudes toward cervical cancer prevention and screening among Indian women. 2. Social Stigma and Embarrassment For many, gynecological health remains a taboo subject. Conversations about reproductive organs or undergoing a pelvic exam often brings discomfort, amplified by fears of social judgment especially when healthcare providers are male. Many women opt to skip or delay screening rather than risk embarrassment. Building trust is key: clinics should offer privacy, women-only sessions where required, and train staff in empathy and discretion. When media and local leaders openly discuss cervical health, it helps dismantle negative perceptions and makes regular screening more acceptable. 3. Fear of Procedure or Diagnosis Anxiety about pain, unfamiliar medical procedures, or the result of screening keeps many women away. Some worry that the tests will be painful or complicated, while others fear the implications of a potential diagnosis, both for themselves and their families. Demystifying the procedures is essential. Explaining that VIA, Pap, and HPV test as screening tests are quick; low-risk procedures can help to reduce anxiety. Providing counseling before and after screening supports women emotionally and encourages participation. Sharing positive stories about early detection can inspire confidence and hope. 4. Inconvenient or Limited Access Many women face tangible challenges: distance to clinics, lack of safe transportation, limited opening hours, long wait times, or scarcity of female healthcare providers. These logistical barriers are particularly pronounced in rural and low-income urban areas. Innovative solutions such as mobile clinics, point-of-care rapid tests, and integration of screening with other health services are gradually making a difference. Flexible scheduling and expanding clinic hours can further reduce hurdles, helping lifesaving screening reach more women. While many women visit healthcare facilities for other concerns, the topic of cervical screening is rarely raised especially if the woman has no symptoms. Missed opportunities for recommendation by healthcare professionals perpetuate low uptake. Training all health workers to proactively discuss screening and integrating reminders into routine checkups for women aged 30–65 can bridge this gap. Making cervical screening a standard part of women's healthcare will help normalize preventive care. The Path Forward top videos View all The good news is that India is making strides in awareness and access. The government recommends regular screening, and new indigenous test kits are set to reduce costs and broaden availability—even for women in remote settings. Acceptability of self-sampling is increasing, making it easier for women in rural or lower-income areas to participate without embarrassment or logistical hassle. To truly move the needle, however, targeted education, improved infrastructure, supportive policies, and community-level outreach remain essential. If you are a woman over 30 years or if you care for someone who is, consider discussing cervical cancer screening with a healthcare provider. Early detection remains the most effective tool in the fight against this disease. tags : beat cancer cervical cancer cervical cancer in India cervical cancer treatment cervical cancer vaccine view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 29, 2025, 09:58 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness Stop Putting It Off: What's Really Making Indian Women Delay Cervical Screenings Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
