Balangir: A man from Odisha’s Balangir district alleged on Saturday that his daughter was trafficked and sold in Dubai, appealing to the government for urgent intervention to rescue her.
The father of 35-year-old Hasta Bishi, a resident of Jagua village under Titlagarh police limits, claimed she was sold by her husband, Prema Mahananda of Burabandh village, to a wealthy individual Dhanu Sheikh, who later took the woman to Dubai.
According to the woman’s father Lab Bishi, Hasta has been stranded abroad for several years, facing abuse and exploitation. The family has now approached the Balangir district administration, pleading for steps to ensure her safe return and protection. Their fears have intensified as Hasta’s three minor daughters remain vulnerable back home, with no clarity on their mother’s fate. Hasta’s family also alleged that Prema is allegedly planning to sell his 17-year-old daughter abroad under the pretext of marriage.
Hasta married Prema Mahananda years ago but the family struggled with poverty. The couple shifted to Mumbai in 2022 to work as daily wage labourers. It was alleged that Prema, instead of supporting her, sold her and came back to his village. Hasta has allegedly been trafficked her to Dubai. Since then, she has reportedly been subjected to abuse and confinement, with little contact with her family. The case has drawn attention as one of the most shocking instances of alleged human trafficking from Odisha in recent years.
The family has submitted a formal complaint to the district administration in Balangir. Local officials have assured that the matter will be taken up with the state government and Ministry of External Affairs for necessary diplomatic steps.
Sources said that police are also examining the allegations against her husband, which could lead to criminal charges under human trafficking and exploitation laws.
