Agartala, Nov 13: A minor girl from Tripura’s capital Agartala, who was allegedly lured to Bengaluru with the promise of a film audition, has been rescued after remaining missing for several weeks following a coordinated search by her family members, social activists and volunteers, sources said.
The girl has been reunited with her family, while allegations surrounding her disappearance have raised concerns over possible trafficking and exploitation of minors in the name of opportunities in the entertainment industry.
According to the girl’s account, a woman identified as Nishima Ben approached her on October 13, promising to arrange an opportunity to audition for films in Bengaluru. The girl was initially reluctant to travel alone but agreed after being assured that the woman would join her within 15 days.
As she did not have enough money for the journey, she was allegedly advised to mortgage her gold chain. A person identified as Yuvraj Chowdhury reportedly took the chain as security and provided Rs 30,000. A flight ticket to Bengaluru was subsequently arranged.
However, the promised audition did not materialise. After reaching Bengaluru, she was allegedly taken from the airport to an unfamiliar location and told that no shooting was scheduled and that she would have to undertake other work.
The girl further alleged that her mobile phone was damaged and her SIM card removed, leaving her unable to contact her family. She also claimed that she was confined and money was demanded from her relatives for her release.
According to her statement, the demand initially stood at Rs 5 lakh, was later increased to Rs 8 lakh and subsequently reduced to Rs 2 lakh.
She has named Nishima Ben, Yuvraj Chowdhury, Naveen Chowdhury and Inzamamul Haque in connection with the incident. The allegations are yet to be independently verified.
Her father approached the police following her disappearance and travelled to Mumbai on October 14 to search for her. After four days of unsuccessful efforts, he returned to Tripura.
The search gained momentum after social activist Sumit contacted the family with information about her possible whereabouts in Bengaluru.
Volunteers, including Nagesh of Hindu Maha Sangh, joined the operation and eventually traced the girl to a location around 90 km from Bengaluru airport.
Her father reportedly found her there along with several other children. Volunteers intervened when some individuals allegedly attempted to take away the other children as the family prepared to leave.
Social activist Khokon Chandra Pal said volunteers in Bengaluru and Mumbai coordinated efforts to locate the girl. He also claimed that Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha had been monitoring the developments.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of minors allegedly lured outside their home states through promises of film auditions and employment.
