Summary:
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Background: Fifty-seven Nepali nationals from 18 districts were recently rescued from captivity in India, specifically from Rudrapur and Kashipur in Uttarakhand, where they were trafficked with false promises of lucrative jobs.
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Deception and Abuse: The victims were lured by promises of well-paid jobs (around 23,000 Indian rupees/month) and good living conditions. Upon arrival, they faced poor housing, starvation, forced confinement, and abuse including beatings and threats. Their phones were seized to prevent communication. They were also pressured to recruit others.
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Personal Stories: For example, Man Bahadur BK, a 13-year-old boy from Kailali, was promised a job but ended up confined and his phone taken. Another victim, Bishal Budhathoki, was locked up after initially being treated well. One victim reportedly died in captivity about a month prior.
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Rescue Operation: The rescues were conducted through coordination between Indian police, the NGO Kin India, and Nepali authorities after weeks of surveillance. Police raids freed 35 hostages in Kashipur and later 22 more who had been moved to a forested area.
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Traffickers Arrested: Two key traffickers, Birendra Shahi and Manish Tiwari, were arrested. The operation uncovered that this trafficking ring had been operating since 2018, collecting money upfront from job seekers and forcing victims to recruit others.
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After Rescue: The rescued Nepalis were brought back to Nepal via the Gaddachauki border and received by local officials. They were provided shelter, food, and transportation home.
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Concerns: Authorities believe similar trafficking rings continue to operate in the area, with many victims quietly sent back without formal rescue.
This case highlights ongoing human trafficking challenges affecting Nepali citizens seeking work abroad, exposing them to exploitation and abuse.
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