Sabina (name changed), a 14-year-old girl from an impoverished background, had never received formal education. She grew up with four siblings in a household where survival was a daily struggle. Her father, a differently-abled man, was forced to beg at Santoshpur railway station, while her mother worked as a housemaid. In an effort to contribute to the family’s meagre income, Sabina took up ironing clothes. 

A Love That Led to Darkness

While working, Sabina befriended a man named Jual Mulla, one of her customers. Over time, their bond deepened, and, despite her young age and the absence of parental consent, she married him, believing that it would provide her with a better life. However, poverty had pushed her into a decision that would irrevocably alter her future. Mere days after their marriage, Sabina and Jual travelled to Akra to obtain a marriage registration certificate. However, she never returned home. Her anxious family searched for her in every possible place, and when their efforts proved futile, they lodged an FIR at the Zingira Bazar Phari in Maheshtala. 

A Descent into Despair

For the following two months, Sabina and Jual lived separately in a rented accommodation. It was during this period that her husband began pressuring her into prostitution. When she resisted, he subjected her to constant quarrels and coercion. Eventually, he took her to Mumbai and handed her over to an agent in Kamathipura, the city's notorious red-light district. There, under duress and threats, she was forcibly pushed into prostitution. Sabina was shuttled between Mumbai, Nasik, and Indore, enduring harsh conditions, yet never receiving any money for her labour. The entirety of her earnings was taken by Jual and the agent. Later, Jual transported her to Budhwar Peth in Pune, where she was forced to work in Roopa’s house. She earned Rs. 320 per customer but was only given Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 per week, while Jual received Rs. 25,000 monthly from Roopa. 

Rescue and Rehabilitation

On 16 July 2015, the Faraskhana Police and RF staff raided the premises and rescued Sabina along with another girl. They were taken to the Rescue Foundation for protection and care. For the first time in a long while, she felt safe. Although relieved, Sabina deeply regretted her decision to marry Jual without informing her family. With the support of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of South 24 Parganas and GGBK, she was reunited with her parents. However, her return was fraught with difficulties. She faced relentless social stigma and found herself unable to step outside due to the judgement of her community. 

Reclaiming Her Life

GGBK intervened to provide her with counselling and assistance, enabling her to regain confidence. Through resilience and determination, she overcame societal prejudice and reintegrated into the community. Today, she is an active leader of the Bandhan Mukti survivors’ collective, working tirelessly to inspire other survivors to reclaim their lives. She envisions a world where everyone can live without discrimination and injustice. 

A New Beginning

 Now happily married, Sabina is a mother and an entrepreneur. She has established a small candy floss business, contributing to her family’s income. Her greatest aspiration is to provide her daughter with an education, ensuring that she has a future filled with dignity and opportunity. Sabina’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. From victim to survivor to changemaker, she has transformed her life and continues to pave the way for others to follow.