Fri Dec 20 02:33:00 UTC 2024: ## Massive Rescue Operation Brings Hundreds of Trafficked Women Home to Tamil Nadu

**Chennai, December 20, 2024** – In a landmark operation in 1990, the Tamil Nadu Crime Branch-CID (CB-CID) rescued 983 women and children, primarily from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Puducherry, from forced prostitution in Mumbai. This remains the largest rescue operation conducted by the state police outside of Tamil Nadu.

The operation, launched in response to a complaint by the Maharashtra-based NGO Savdhan, involved a meticulous investigation led by Inspector Mir Shoukath Ali. His team discovered over 600 Tamil women held captive in brothels in Mumbai’s Sonapur, Naya Sonapur, and Kamatipura areas, subjected to appalling conditions and brutal treatment.

On May 24, 1990, a 67-member police team, including 22 women officers, raided the brothels with the assistance of Mumbai police. 749 Tamil Nadu women and 68 children were among those rescued. Many had been lured by false promises of employment. Approximately 200 individuals, primarily transpersons, who controlled the trafficking ring, were arrested.

Due to the sheer number of victims, Indian Railways provided a special train, named “Mukthi” (liberation) Express, to transport 824 rescued individuals back to Chennai. Upon arrival, the victims received a warm welcome and were reunited with their families with the assistance of the Social Welfare Department. Those who couldn’t or didn’t want to return home were placed in government shelters. The then Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi, allocated ₹7.18 lakh for their rehabilitation. The operation also targeted the pimps responsible for the trafficking.

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