West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL NEWS : The shocking case of human trafficking and sustained abuse has come to light in West Bengal's Domjur area after a young woman managed to escape from captivity, revealing a sinister torture racket operated under the guise of a job offer. The accused—a mother and her son—are now absconding, with police launching a full-scale manhunt in Domjur and Howrah.

A woman in her early twenties, told investigators that she was lured by the promise of a glamorous event management job several months ago. The offer, which seemed legitimate at first, turned into a living nightmare as she was taken to a private residence where she was reportedly confined, tortured, and subjected to mental and physical abuse over a prolonged period.

The young woman had been searching for work after completing her studies when she came across an offer shared through a social media contact. The offer was presented as a lucrative opportunity in event planning and media-related assignments. Trusting the promise, she travelled to the given address in Domjur—unaware of the horrors that awaited her.

As per her statement, once she arrived, the accused woman and her son locked her in a room and denied her access to the outside world. What followed was months of inhuman treatment. She was beaten regularly, starved for days, and manipulated psychologically. Her mobile phone was taken away, and she was warned of severe consequences if she tried to escape or contact anyone.

“The level of cruelty is beyond comprehension,” said a police officer involved in the investigation. “She was used as domestic help, verbally abused, and repeatedly assaulted. This is a deeply disturbing case.”

Her escape was nothing short of miraculous. Taking advantage of a moment when her captors were distracted, she fled the house and ran to a nearby shop, where she begged for help. The shopkeeper promptly contacted the police, and she was rescued and taken for medical attention. Doctors have confirmed signs of physical abuse, malnutrition, and emotional trauma.

A case was immediately registered against the accused under charges of illegal confinement, physical assault, and criminal conspiracy. However, when the police team raided the residence in Domjur, they found it empty. The accused mother-son duo had already fled. Their identities have been established, but their whereabouts remain unknown.

“We are actively pursuing the accused and have deployed multiple teams in Domjur, Howrah, and neighboring areas,” said the Domjur police inspector. “They will be arrested soon and made to face the law.”

The incident has sparked public outrage and renewed concerns over the vulnerability of young women seeking jobs. Social workers and women’s rights organizations have called for stronger regulation of online job advertisements and more aggressive crackdowns on trafficking networks that operate under false pretenses.

“This is not just a case of individual crime—it’s a reflection of a larger threat facing women in vulnerable economic situations,” said Anuradha Sen, a Kolkata-based women’s rights activist. “Young girls desperate for employment are being exploited with impunity. The government must take urgent steps to dismantle such networks.”

The victim is receiving psychological counseling and support from an NGO. Though still visibly shaken, she has expressed her determination to fight for justice and help others avoid falling into similar traps.

As the investigation deepens, the focus remains on tracking down the fugitives and uncovering whether the mother-son duo were part of a larger trafficking or exploitation ring. Police have not ruled out the possibility that other victims may have suffered at their hands.