Mukti Vahini's Justice Journey

A Tale of Courage & Society's Awakening

On 18 September, our Mukti Vahini’s Udaan project exemplified its unwavering commitment to eradicating child marriage and protecting vulnerable girls. This day marked a significant turning point, illustrating how collective societal efforts and sensitive law enforcement can bring justice to the oppressed.

The story unfolded when a distress call alerted us about a severely traumatized girl in a rural village. As soon as we reached the local office, we were met with the sight of the village sarpanch, a woman of remarkable sensitivity and resolve, expressing her concern for a girl who feared retribution and wanted her voice heard. Her proactive stance symbolized a shift from silence and stigma to awareness and action.

Our team swiftly coordinated legal procedures, police intervention and psychological support. We listened carefully to the girl’s harrowing account of abuse, neglect and two forced marriages, the first when she was 15 and again when she was 19. She and her three younger sisters also experienced abuse from family members and trusted relatives, including their own uncle. Her words painted a stark picture of years of suffering—forced labor, emotional trauma and repeated sexual abuse.

Moved by her courage, we took immediate action. With police support, we conducted a midnight raid on the accused’s premises, apprehended them, and rescued the girl and her sisters. The incident underscored the importance of prompt, compassionate law enforcement and the societal role in protecting victims.

Throughout the night, our team worked tirelessly with police, legal experts, and social workers to ensure the girl received justice under relevant laws like POCSO, IPC and Child Marriage Prohibition acts. We also counseled her family to foster understanding and support, emphasizing that her recovery depended on societal acceptance. The girls were admitted to our Snehalaya childcare institution where they will receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. The perpetrators are now in custody and the girls will receive justice under the full weight of the legal system.

This experience reaffirmed that societal awareness and swift action can effectively combat deep-rooted injustices. The collective effort of village leaders, police, social workers and our Mukti Vahini team demonstrated that change is possible when compassion meets responsibility.

Mukti Vahini’s Udaan is more than a project; it is a movement working in collaboration with all areas of society and dedicated to empowering and safeguarding the rights of marginalized girls and women. It aims not just at legal victories but at healing societal wounds, restoring dignity and fostering a supportive environment for victims to rebuild their lives.

This incident is a powerful reminder that societal vigilance, empathetic governance and committed activism are vital for a just and compassionate society. Every voice matters, and together, we can uphold the rights and dignity of every girl and woman.