Latest news with #Mathai
News18
9 hours 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
20 hours 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.
Time of India
26-07-2025
- Time of India
Mumbai girl rescued from child marriage returns to school
Mumbai: A minor girl from Kurla, who at the age of 12 last year was rescued from a terrible child marriage plan, has now resumed her school education in the city after overcoming her ordeal. Last year in July, the minor's mother and relatives took her to Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh to get her married to an older man. The Mumbai-based Harmony Foundation NGO, who learned about this illegal marriage through their sources, then alerted the senior AP police officers and successfully rescued the girl. The Founder-Chairperson of Harmony Foundation, Abraham Mathai, said, "We are happy that the rescued girl,who is now 13 years old, has restarted her school education after a year-long gap. She lost her father a few years ago, and her mother remarried. However, they were forcing her to get married when she was just 12 years old." You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai After donning her school uniform, the girl gleefully went back to her old alma mater, God Day School in Chembur. "I want to become a doctor when I grow up," she replied when asked what her future career plan was. "Meeting this brave young girl was both heart-wrenching and deeply inspiring. At just 12 years old, she faced a tragedy no child should ever endure — the loss of her father, the betrayal of trust by those meant to protect her, especially her mother, and the horrifying reality of being pushed into child marriage. Her life was nearly snatched away, and her freedom vanished before her eyes. In a world where hope often feels distant for children like her, justice has thankfully prevailed," said Mathai. He added that while we often speak of women empowerment, supporting and protecting our girls is not just a slogan — "it's the least we can do. Ensuring every girl child has the right to education, dignity, and safety must remain our highest priority. He also thanked the Andhra Pradesh police force for quickly acting on their complaint about the forced child marriage.
New Indian Express
03-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Tricked into buying ‘18 litres/day' cow, Kerala man gets consumer panel relief
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Not every promise is genuine. Mathai learnt it the hard way. Three years after he was tricked into purchasing a cow that failed to give anywhere close to the '18 litres of milk per day' he was assured, the Kasaragod native got relief from the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC). As per Mathai, he purchased a pregnant cow from Ganesh Rao, also from Kasaragod, on April 9, 2022, for Rs 36,500. Rao promised Mathai the bovine would give 18 litres of milk per day. However, after delivery, the cow gave just 2 litres of milk and reacted violently whenever it was milked. It refused to feed the calf and would kick it away, Mathai said. Mathai took the matter up with Rao. However, the latter's wife approached the police accusing him of creating nuisance at their home. During mediation by the police, Rao claimed he would prove the cow delivered the promised milk if it is milked at his residence. On the police's directive, the cow and calf were taken to his residence. However, Rao refused to return the animals. Mathai then approached the District Legal Services Authority, but Rao remained ex-parte. He then moved the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. There, he got a rude shock. Rao claimed he never sold such a cow to him. Still, the commission favoured Mathai and directed Rao to refund him, and also pay him compensation and legal costs. Aggrieved, Rao filed an appeal with the SCDRC. The bench comprising SCDRC president Justice B Sudheendra Kumar, judicial member Ajith Kumar D and member K R Radhakrishnan heard the case.
