In one of the most harrowing cases of attempted child exploitation, a 16-year-old girl, was rescued in the nick of time from the horrifying clutches of a trafficking network — a moment that marks both relief and deep societal shame.
Hailing from Hyderabad and residing in Borivali West, Mumbai, the girl is a student of Sheth Gopalji Hemraj High School & Junior College. A bright young mind, she had completed her 9th standard and was currently studying in the 10th when her life nearly derailed into unthinkable tragedy.
The accused, Rehana Shagir Khan, aged 26 years’ name not unfamiliar in exploitation circles — was allegedly attempting to sell the girl under the gruesome guise of a “virgin sale.” These cases are among the darkest and most difficult to detect, but nothing compares to the victory of reclaiming a child before she is subjected to irreversible trauma.
The operation was successfully carried out under the jurisdiction of Bangur Nagar Police Station, led by the vigilant Mumbai Crime Branch Unit 8 in close coordination with Mr. Shyam Kamble of NGO Exodus India, and Dr Abraham Mathai Founder-Chairman of the Harmony Foundation and former Vice-Chairman of the Minorities Commission whose continued fieldwork and watchfulness have been instrumental in protecting vulnerable minors.
Dr Mathai stands heartbroken and enraged stating. “How did we reach a point where a young girl with dreams in her eyes is inches away from being bartered like property?” This rescue, though heroic, is not just a celebration — it is a call to the nation’s conscience. We cannot continue to be passive spectators. Child trafficking, especially under the brutal practice of virgin sales, must be dealt with not only with the full weight of the law but with systemic vigilance, public awareness, and moral urgency.
Dr Mathai commend the DCP of Crime Branch Mr. Vishal Thakur, and Mr. Shyam Kamble of Exodus India for their swift and courageous action further stating “They saved not just a life, but a future.”
Dr Mathai concluded “Let her rescue be a wake-up call and not be the end of a story — but the beginning of a movement. “The Harmony Foundation stands by her and every child like her.” Let this be a reminder to all — childhood is not a battleground. It is sacred. And we must fight to protect it.
