Paralakhemundi, Jul 2: In a major breakthrough against human trafficking, Odisha Police rescued seven tribal girls from Hyderabad after they were allegedly trafficked and sold under the pretext of providing jobs. Two accused, including a woman from Hyderabad and a middleman from Odisha, have been arrested in connection with the case.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, R. Udayagiri SDPO Rakesh Sahu said the girls, all from Gajapati district, had allegedly been sold for Rs 70,000. Acting on credible information, a team from Adaba Police Station conducted a raid in Hyderabad with the assistance of the local police and rescued all seven victims.

The arrested accuseds have been identified as Sarita Jain of Hyderabad and Ishwar Kusilia, a resident of Gumkudi village under Muniguda police limits in Rayagada district. Both have been produced before a court.

According to the police, the case came to light after Rimpi Mondal of Dalimbapur village lodged a complaint on June 21, reporting that her sister had gone missing. On June 24, the missing girl contacted her family over the phone and revealed that Ishwar had lured her and one of her friends to Hyderabad with the promise of employment.

She alleged that after reaching Hyderabad, they were confined in a house, where they were subjected to physical and mental abuse.

Based on the information, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Nalini Kuanr travelled to Hyderabad and carried out a raid at Sarita Jain's residence with the support of Hyderabad Police.

During the operation, all seven tribal girls were rescued. Police said six of the victims are minors.

The investigation revealed that Ishwar Kusilia had allegedly sold the girls to Sarita Jain for Rs 70,000. The victims were reportedly forced to work under the guise of employment and subjected to exploitation and abuse.

Police said the investigation is continuing to uncover the full extent of the trafficking network and identify any other persons involved.