Human trafficking victim narrates tale of torture

Our Correspondent

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Una, August 16

Ashish Kumar, a youth from Rainsary village in Una district, who was allegedly held captive in Thailand by a network of human traffickers and tortured, returned home safely on Thursday.

He, along with his family members and local villagers, today met Superintendent of Police Rakesh Singh at his office, where the victim narrated his tale of woes.

Ashish Kumar said a few months ago, he had approached a travel agent in Una district, who told him that there was a vacancy in Georgia which fitted his educational profile. He said the agent charged money from him and booked his air ticket to Georgia.

However, Ashish said he landed up in Thailand, where a gang of traffickers held him captive along with some other victims.

He said the captors would torture them, adding that he came to know that all victims would end up dying, with their body organs being sold for transplantation.

The victim said he, somehow, managed to contact his parents and relatives, who approached the district administration.

Ultimately, the Ministry of External Affairs got active and he was rescued.

Ashish Kumar said the captives were ill treated and also given electric shocks. Kumar also displayed injury marks on his body.

Una Superintendent of Police Rakesh Singh said the victim would be medically examined and the accused travel agent would be booked.

He cautioned people wanting to go abroad to verify their travel plans and proposals before they depart from the country.