Raipur, January 4: A 17-year-old girl fell victim to human trafficking after being lured by a man she befriended on social media in Chhattisgarh. The perpetrator, identified as Premaram Godara, 30, posed as a person from an army background and promised the minor a job in the Indian Army. Using deceitful tactics, Godara convinced the girl to accompany him to Bhopal, where he allegedly raped her. Subsequently, Godara introduced the girl to his accomplice, Kailash, who, along with his three relatives, took her to Churu in Rajasthan.

As per the Times of India report, the case began on December 4, 2022, when the girl fled her home with the main accused, 30-year-old Premaram Godara, under the false pretence of joining the army in Bhopal. However, she was raped by Premaram, who then introduced her to his associate, Kailash, claiming he was responsible for recruitment. Subsequently, Kailash and his three relatives, including Sukhram Thuger, allegedly purchased the girl from Premaram for Rs 3 lakh. Chhattisgarh Shocker: Dead Bodies of Husband, Wife and Their Daughter Found Hanging in Tikrapara, Investigation Underway.

Forced into an unwanted "marriage" with Sukhram, the survivor endured continuous physical and sexual abuse and torture whenever she resisted or expressed a desire to return home. The exploitation came to light when the girl managed to make a call to her parents in November, revealing her location in Churu, Rajasthan. The police traced the call and, on November 14, 2023, rescued the girl from a house, arresting 22-year-old Sukhram at the scene. The main accused, Premaram Godara, was recently apprehended, shedding light on the intricate web of deception and human trafficking. Chhattisgarh Shocker: 25 Students of Government School in Kondagaon Suffer Burns After Teachers Allegedly Force Them To Pour Hot Oil on Each Other's Hands As Punishment.

The police are now in pursuit of Kailash, another key player in the exploitation. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, encompassing charges of rape, human trafficking, abduction, and deceitful marriage. The survivor, belonging to an OBC background, is eligible for compensation of Rs 20,000 and Rs 1.75 lakh, as per the provisions in place. The police continue their efforts to apprehend Kailash and further probe the organised trafficking connections.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 04, 2024 04:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).