On 13th July 2025, Project STOP received a distress email from a young Nepali woman who, along with two others, had been trafficked to Delhi under the false promise of employment. On arrival, they were confined indoors, their passports taken, and cut off from communication, income, and legal safety. Isolated and fearful, they reached out in desperation.
The STOP team responded immediately. Founder Roma Debabrata initiated coordination with KIN India for field support, Maiti Nepal for cross-border verification, and the Delhi Crime Branch to ensure a lawful rescue. Over the next few days, survivor contact was maintained, their location was confirmed, and risks were mapped. A detailed and secure plan of action was drawn up in consultation with all stakeholders.
The rescue was carried out on 18 July. Field Coordinator Poonam Choudhary led the operation, supported by the KIN India team. Despite resistance at the site, the team safely located the survivors, who were visibly distressed and confused. They were immediately removed from the premises and taken to the Special Cell for Women and Children. A formal complaint was filed, and the women were shifted to STOP’s Aftercare Home, where they received emotional support, basic care, and legal assistance.
On 19 July, the survivors were escorted to the Nepal Embassy by Poonam Choudhary and a representative from KIN India. Their families, previously contacted by Maiti Nepal, were present for the reunion. Emergency travel documents were issued, and the women were formally repatriated. They spent the night in a recognised shelter in Kathmandu, where they received further support.
The next day, 20 July, the women met with Nepalese authorities at the Bureau. Verbal statements were recorded, and a legal investigation was initiated. The trafficker, a Nepalese national operating across the India–Nepal corridor, has been identified. Authorities from both countries are now working together to ensure extradition and prosecution.
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