By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 1: Two young women from Barato in West Jaintia Hills, who allegedly fell victim to a suspected job scam and were pressured into prostitution, were rescued by Delhi Police following the intervention of Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Delhi Unit.
According to information received, the two contacted the KSU Delhi Unit on Sunday, seeking urgent assistance. They were allegedly lured to Delhi with promises of employment at a hotel.
The duo alleged that upon reaching Delhi, they were instead pressured by the woman, who had taken them there, to engage in prostitution. When they refused, the woman allegedly demanded reimbursement of the travel expenses incurred on their behalf and confiscated their mobile phones.
They further alleged that they were not allowed to leave until the money spent on their travel was repaid.
Acting swiftly upon receiving the distress call, the KSU Delhi Unit alerted the Delhi Police and sought urgent intervention. The police traced and detained the woman for questioning. She denied all charges levelled against her.
She reportedly told the police that the two Meghalaya women had travelled to Delhi voluntarily in search of jobs and she helped them by bearing their travel expenses. She also denied any attempt to force or coerce them into prostitution. At the direction of the police, the woman returned the mobile phones, after which the two were handed over to the KSU Delhi Unit. Currently, both are under the protection of the student body which has made arrangements for their return to Meghalaya.
Family members of one of them sent funds for her airfare, and she was scheduled to return home on Monday. Efforts are underway to facilitate the return of the other woman.
The KSU Delhi Unit reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of students and youth from Meghalaya residing or travelling outside the state.
At the same time, it urged jobseekers to exercise utmost caution while accepting employment offers from unknown individuals and advised them to verify the authenticity of such opportunities before travelling to other states.
