Chennai, August 6: A 16-year-old girl in Chennai has filed a complaint alleging that her mother forced her into sex work to repay a loan of INR 40,000 borrowed from a neighbour in Pulianthope. The girl, who has dropped out of school, was initially hired as a house help by the moneylender. However, the situation escalated when the moneylender coerced her into sex work. When the girl reported the situation to her mother, she was told to return to the moneylender’s house. The police have arrested six individuals in connection with this case.

The girl's mother had borrowed money from Muthulakshmi, a moneylender, several years ago. When she was unable to repay the loan, she sent her daughter to work as a house help at Muthulakshmi's home. Over time, Muthulakshmi reportedly forced the minor girl into sex work. The girl resisted, argued with Muthulakshmi, and eventually fled, returning to live with her mother. However, her mother allegedly insisted she return to Muthulakshmi’s house, prompting the girl to flee again and move in with her boyfriend. Prostitution Racket Busted in Chennai: Woman Forces 14-Year-Old Sister Into Sex Work, Arrested Along With 5 Others.

The girl faced persistent harassment from her mother over the phone, which led her to file a complaint with the MKB Nagar All Women Police Station (AWPS) last week. Following her complaint, the police conducted a thorough investigation into the matter. Chennai: Woman Held for Forcing Minor Niece Into Sex Trade.

After conducting their investigation, the police arrested six individuals, including Muthulakshmi, her husband Nishanth, and their relatives Ajith (22), Sanjay (22), and Mageshwaran, along with the girl's mother. They were charged under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. All the accused have been presented before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India: 1098; Women’s Helpline: 181; National Commission for Women Helpline:

112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence (7827170170); Police Women

Senior Citizen Helpline: 1091/1291; Missing Children and Women: 1094.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2024 08:16 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).