Five Nepal women, aged 17 to 24, have been rescued from an Agra-based brothel in India.

After two-month long efforts, Maiti Nepal rescued the Nepali women on Monday with the support of Indian police and various rights organisations. Four Indian women were also rescued from the brothel. All the rescued victims are now taking shelter at Mahila Utthan Kendra Keshav Koirala, coordinator of Maiti Nepal regional office in Nepalgunj, quoted the victims as saying that they were brought to the brothel by Nepali men by promising to marry them. 

“The person I loved and trusted brought me to India and sold me in the brothel. I spent two years in hell,” said one 17-year-old victim.

Among the rescued Nepali women, two are from Sindhupalchok, two from Nuwakot and one from Dhading.   The Indian authorities are preparing to file a case against the suspects who have already been identified.

Indian police have also detained the brothel operator for legal action. Koirala said they managed to rescue the women after two months of relentless effort.