SHILLONG : Two young women from Meghalaya were rescued in Delhi after allegedly being lured to the national capital with false promises of employment and later pressured into entering the sex trade, according to the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Delhi Unit.
The incident surfaced on May 31 after the two girls, both reportedly from Barato, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, contacted the KSU Delhi Unit seeking urgent help. According to the account shared by the victims, they had travelled to Delhi after being promised jobs at a hotel. However, after reaching the city, they allegedly realised that the offer was not genuine and that they were instead being pressured into activities linked to human trafficking and sexual exploitation..
The girls further alleged that when they refused to cooperate, the woman who had brought them to Delhi demanded repayment of the travel expenses incurred on their behalf. They also claimed that their mobile phones were taken away and that they were not allowed to leave the premises freely.
Following the distress call, members of the KSU Delhi Unit immediately contacted the Delhi Police and sought intervention in the matter.Police later traced and detained the accused woman for questioning. During interrogation, however, the woman reportedly denied all allegations.
According to police sources cited by the KSU, she claimed that the girls had travelled voluntarily in search of work and that she had only helped cover their travel expenses to Delhi. She also denied forcing them into prostitution or any form of trafficking activity.
“The family members of one of the girls have already arranged and sent the necessary funds for her airfare, and she is scheduled to return to Meghalaya tomorrow,” the union said in a statement.
“The Union urges all job seekers to exercise caution while accepting employment offers from unknown individuals and to verify the authenticity of such opportunities before travelling,” the KSU Delhi Unit added.
The case has once again highlighted growing concerns surrounding human trafficking networks targeting vulnerable young women from Northeast states through false job promises in metropolitan cities.
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Student bodies and rights groups from the Northeast have repeatedly warned about cases where young women are allegedly lured outside the region with assurances of employment before facing exploitation, coercion or abuse.
The KSU Delhi Unit has urged authorities to conduct a proper investigation into the matter and ensure the safety and rehabilitation of the two girls.
Further investigation is currently underway.