A horrifying human trafficking case has emerged from Fazilka, Punjab, shaking public faith in close-knit relationships. A married woman was betrayed by her own aunt, drugged, sold off like property, and subjected to repeated sexual assault—until her husband stepped in and rescued her.
“My Own Aunt Sold Me…”
The victim, married to Jaswinder from Pilibanga for the past seven years and mother of two, had returned to her maternal home near Abohar six months ago due to family tensions. Seeking shelter, she began living with her aunt Manpreet Kaur, also known as Mani, in Bakanwala.
The woman worked as a kinnow plucker to support herself. But one day, her aunt took her to a Seed Farm under the pretext of attending a party hosted by Mandeep Kaur, wife of Daman Singh. There, the nightmare began.
Drugged and Sold to a Stranger
The victim told police:
“At the Seed Farm, my aunt took photos of me and sent them to someone. She gave me a cold drink laced with intoxicants. I passed out. When I regained consciousness two days later, I found out I had been sold to a man named Pukhraj, from Barkalan, Rajasthan.”
From that point on, Pukhraj repeatedly raped her, while other accomplices ensured she remained trapped.
Imprisoned and Threatened
Attempts to escape were met with violence and threats. The victim alleges that Mandeep Kaur, Seema, Ratan, Rajinder, and her aunt Manpreet were all involved in keeping her imprisoned and silent.
Despite the threats, she managed to send a WhatsApp message to her husband, secretly revealing the horror she was living through.
Husband Became Her Lifeline
On receiving her message, Jaswinder rushed to the location and managed to rescue her, ending her months-long ordeal. She later reported that Pukhraj raped her daily during her captivity.
FIR Filed, One Arrested So Far
Based on her complaint, City One Police registered a case against:
- Manpreet Kaur (aunt, Bakanwala)
- Mandeep Kaur (Seed Farm)
- Pukhraj (Rajasthan)
- Seema (Pilibanga)
- Ratan and Rajinder (Abohar)
Ratan has been arrested. The hunt is on for the remaining accused.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of how trust can be weaponized, and how trafficking often happens under the disguise of kinship. Authorities have vowed strict action, but the emotional and physical trauma for the victim will take a long time to heal.
