India (BHI/MNN) — On Tuesday, the Bright Hope Anti-Human Trafficking Team in India conducted a raid on a house full of trafficked minors.
This, after much planning and careful investigation. The Bright Hope Anti-Human Trafficking Team was tipped off regarding an area where a high amount of sex trafficking was occurring. The investigative team sent in an undercover customer to capture the necessary information to take back to the team for setting up a raid in the near future.
The undercover agent was sent into a house and reported that six minors (estimated to be ages 15-17) were being forced into slavery. He learned that the girls were working very quietly as to not set off any suspicion. This area was under careful watch for a number of days by the team.
The team also uncovered information that a local police officer was involved in covering up and allowing the trafficking of 10-15 minors in another house. The suspected age range is 14-17.
More disturbing news was discovered by the Anti-Trafficking team as they heard news about a father raping his own daughter for six months. The mother of the girl saw it happening and contacted police and took her daughter to the station early the next day. The father was arrested and is now behind bars.
The girl has been sent for medical attention and subsequently counseling. Her family is tired of putting her into a hostel that Bright Hope recommended for her, so she is staying with relatives, but the team will not give up trying to bring rehabilitation and hope to this girl. They're praising God that the immediate abuse seems to be over and that she's safe now.
Sadly, these stories are not isolated cases in India. Although there is the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offenses Bill in play, the Ministry of Women and Child Development numbers show an epidemic that may not be stemmed by legislation alone. MWCD released a report in 2007 showing that more than 53% of children in India have probably been sexually abused and many have never shared the fact of this abuse with anyone. Child sexual abuse and human trafficking run closely together in the sex trade of India.
Bright Hope is working to develop a network of churches in India to raise awareness and build strategic partnerships to take action against these inhumane acts.
The team is in constant movement and action when it comes to the epidemic of human trafficking in this area of Northern India. Great strides are being made in bringing Hope, healing, and restoration to rescued victims, and they have great faith that many more young girls will be rescued as a result of our allies' gifts and support.
Please pray for safety and wisdom for the team, protection of the girls, and justice for the persecutors.
Read more about and support Bright Hope's Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative.
