Cuttack: The Orissa High Court has ordered immediate coordinated action by authorities to rescue a 37-year-old woman from Odisha’s Balangir district, who is allegedly being held captive in Dubai, and ensure her safe return to India.
A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman, while hearing a habeas corpus petition on April 20, highlighted lapses in local police action and stressed the need for swift intervention through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and diplomatic channels, given the case’s international dimension.
The petition was filed by Titlagarh-based social activist Ranju Raiman, who alleged that Hasta Bisi, a resident of Jagua village in Balangir district and mother of three, is being held captive by a foreign national, reportedly a Sheikh, with possible local assistance. A viral video clip circulated on social media, in which the woman appeals directly to the Centre for help while visibly distressed, has drawn widespread attention. The video reportedly shows landmarks like Burj Khalifa in the background.
According to reports, Hasta had a love marriage with Prema Mahananda from a nearby village. Around eight years ago, the family migrated to Mumbai for livelihood. Allegations claim that her husband later handed her over to another woman in Mumbai, who trafficked her to Dubai and “sold” her to the foreign national. Her passport and visa were allegedly confiscated, preventing her return. She has reportedly been held for nearly seven years.
Her mother lodged a complaint at Titlagarh police station on January 6, 2026. Despite this and earlier approaches to authorities as far back as 2022, no FIR was registered, and visible steps were reportedly not taken, prompting criticism from the court. The family’s three minor daughters are currently staying with relatives, awaiting their mother’s return.
During the hearing, Deputy Solicitor General Prasanna Kumar Parhi informed the court that initial efforts had been initiated but were hampered by the lack of key documents like passport details. Petitioner’s counsel Ashis Kumar Mishra countered that the Balangir DSP already possessed relevant papers, including a photocopy of the victim’s passport shared with her family.
The bench directed State counsel Aishwarya Dash to promptly hand over all available documents to the DSGI, who must then coordinate without delay with the MEA for the woman’s repatriation or deportation.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 11.
