Hyderabad: A series of news reports published by Deccan Chronicle, highlighting the struggle of women being held hostage and forced to do menial work in the Middle East after being lured by agents on the promise of higher pay, has helped rescue two illiterate women from Muscat and Dubai.
One of the victims, Gosala Suseela of Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, who has been seeking help for over a year recently succeeded with the documentation process and is expected to reach her hometown on Monday.
“My husband was an alcoholic and never took any responsibility of family. I had to become sole breadwinner for my family and that’s when agent Priya Kabakshi came into the picture. She lured me promising of better job opportunities,” Suseela said.
“After reaching there in 2021, I was made to work for 18 hours a day without wages. I was mentally tortured and my passport and visa were confiscated by her. I was stuck. I tried contacting her, but she denied to help me and instead, demanded Rs 1.5 lakh to end my struggle. However, after a long fight, my ordeal is coming to an end. I’m excited about returning home,” she said.
Susheela's husband, Nalla Gosala Abbulu, said: “I never imagined the situation would turn out to be this terrible. I couldn’t even speak to my wife. When I attempted to contact the agents, they demanded Rs 1.8 lakh to bring back my wife. It’s become a whole business. They didn't pay her wages, made her work long hours, and then extorted money through threats.”
“At times, I felt hopeless, not knowing where to go or whom to ask. My children often asked about their mother, and I had no answer for them. I deeply regret my inaction; it's my fault she took on all the responsibility and went there. Now, I'll cherish this moment,” he said.
The second victim, Nakka Rajyalakshmi, a native of Jagannapeta of Razole in East Godavari district, is in the process of earning her freedom and is expected to return home within a month.
Advocate Joseph Lessy, who has been instrumental in the rescue efforts, said: “These women's stories highlight the urgent need for stronger safeguards against human trafficking and exploitation. There is a huge struggle behind every rescue. We must continue to work together to ensure that no one falls victim to webs.”
