In 2017, Kara* (a minor girl) was rescued from the clutches of a trafficker who took her to various brothels for commercial sexual exploitation, including the residence of two perpetrators. The police later charged the perpetrators with procuring minors and adults for prostitution at private residences.
An NGO referred Kara’s case to Justice Hub lawyers, who actively pursued the case and recovered INR 50,000 (USD 600) for Kara as interim compensation. The legal team also assisted in the prosecution of the perpetrators, objecting to bail applications, preparing witnesses, ensuring the issuance of summons, and facilitating the attendance of witnesses providing key evidence.
As the trial neared the end and closing arguments were submitted, the judge presiding over the case was transferred. This resulted in numerous delays in the rendering of judgment, but eventually, in February 2024, the two perpetrators were convicted of several offenses, including procuring a minor girl, inducing or forcing a minor girl into illicit sexual intercourse, and keeping a brothel.
One perpetrator was sentenced to six years of rigorous imprisonment and the other to two years, and they were fined INR 16,000 (USD 192) to be paid directly to Kara as compensation. Additional victim compensation in the amount of INR 100,000 (USD 1,202) was ordered under other criminal statutes.
*Name changed to protect identity
