Girl returns after two-month harrowing ordeal in Muscat

A girl from Ludhiana district, who had gone to Muscat, Oman, in the hope of a good job and a bright future, has returned safely after a harrowing two-month ordeal.

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Sharing her traumatic experience at Nirmal Kutia, Sultanpur Lodhi, she revealed that the conditions she faced were nothing short of a hellish experience. Her dream of working abroad turned into a nightmare from which escaping seemed nearly impossible.

She stated that due to financial hardships at home, she left for Oman in April on a two-year clinical work visa, lured by the promise of a salary between Rs 30,000 and Rs 40,000. However, upon arrival, her passport was confiscated and instead of being assigned clinical duties, she was forced into other illegal work against her will.

She was threatened with being sold or killed if she resisted. Forced to work day and night with barely any food or rest, her living conditions were inhumane. Not only was she denied the promised salary, even the money she had taken with her was snatched away.

She said the situation changed when Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Balbir Singh Seechewal contacted the Ministry of External Affairs. Due to his intervention, the girl was brought back home from Oman.

The victim’s family, who accompanied her, said they were in deep distress during her captivity and had received no help from any side. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Seechewal and demanded strict action against the agent responsible.

Balbir Singh Seechewal emphasised that until the trafficking gangs deceiving and sending girls to such countries are curbed with strong action, these situations will remain the same. He thanked the Indian embassy, the Ministry of External Affairs, and everyone involved in bringing the girl home safely.

Seechewal also appealed to the people of Punjab to remain vigilant and not send their daughters to unknown foreign destinations based on advice from unverified agents or sources, as such decisions often lead to a life of misery and exploitation.