Bhopal- A 14-year-old tribal girl from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, who went missing, was rescued by police from Tikamgarh. Five accused, including a woman, were arrested for selling the minor and repeatedly raping her over 25 times.

Investigations revealed that this gang had previously sold several girls and women under the guise of marriage. Jabalpur SSP Sonali Dubey suspects the gang's involvement in a large-scale human trafficking racket.

The girl, a 9th-standard student from Bargi area, was active on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. She befriended Rahul, a resident of Bhedaghat, through social media. In August 2024, the two eloped, but police intervened and rescued the girl, handing her over to her parents, while Rahul was arrested.

The court granted Rahul bail on the condition that he would not contact the girl or visit her village. Following his release, Rahul severed ties with the girl. However, on September 12, 2024, the girl secretly left home and contacted Rahul's friend Raja.

Raja deceived the girl and took her to Chhatarpur district's Kavaiyakheda village, where he and his accomplices repeatedly raped her. Subsequently, they sold her to a middle-aged man for ₹95,000.

After being missing for nearly a month, the girl called her father on October 10, 2024, and narrated her ordeal. Her father immediately informed the police, who launched a rescue operation.

Police recovered the girl from Tikamgarh's Antura village and arrested the accused, Prakash. Further investigation led to the arrest of main accused Shashi, her husband Puran, son Surya, and Raja from Chhatarpur's Kavaiyakheda village.

All accused have been remanded to police custody for five days. Police suspect this gang's involvement in a large-scale human trafficking racket.

Jabalpur SSP Sonali Dubey stated, "During interrogation, Shashi Yadav confessed to selling multiple women and girls under false pretenses. We are investigating this human trafficking ring thoroughly and expect to uncover more individuals linked to this gang soon."

The police are also exploring the possibility of this gang's connection to other human trafficking cases in the region.

SSP Dubey assured that the police would provide counseling and support to the victim and ensure her safety.