A woman and her son, trafficked into slavery years ago in India, have returned to their village, according to reports in India Times.
Authorities say that in 2000 a resident of West Bengal sold his wife and their two-year-old son to a sun-drenched orchard owner in Kashmir. The case has sparked renewed concern about human trafficking across regions and the enduring pain left in its wake.
The survivor described a harrowing journey: “My husband and his two friends drugged me and took me by train to Kashmir, where they sold me to a local businessman.” The spoken account, corroborated by investigators, paints a grim picture of exploitation and coercion that began long before the sale.
During the period she lived with the entrepreneur, the woman was employed as a domestic worker while her young son also served as a helper on the premises. Reports indicate that rest was scarce for both, with the routine demanding constant labor and vigilance.
In her own words, the survivor recalled a painful realization: “As soon as our master finished his work, he would take us to his neighbors.” The son later disclosed a family tragedy as well, saying that his father had cast them aside after an affair with another woman. The emotional toll of such revelations underscores the long shadow cast by trafficking on families and communities.
Despite the grim circumstances, attempts to escape were made more than once. Each effort ended with recapture until a fortuitous escape occurred in early January, when the mother and son managed to board a train and begin the journey home from the northern part of the country. They contacted authorities, but the criminal elements involved fled from law enforcement.
Earlier statements from officials described the pattern as the actions of a criminal group engaged in human trafficking, with networks spanning multiple regions. The case has raised questions about safeguards for vulnerable individuals and the accountability of those who profit from exploitation.
These accounts, while rooted in a specific sequence of events, reflect a broader struggle against trafficking that persists in many parts of the country. Advocates emphasize the importance of rapid police response, survivor support, and stronger prevention measures to disrupt the cycles of coercion and abuse.
Cited sources note that the narrative emerged from investigative work and official statements, offering a window into the resilience of victims and the ongoing efforts to secure justice for families torn apart by trafficking. [Citation: India Times]