Agartala, Nov 13 : A minor girl from Tripura's capital Agartala, who was allegedly lured to Bengaluru on the false promise of a film audition, has been rescued after remaining missing for several weeks, following coordinated efforts by her family members, social activists and volunteers, sources said.
The girl has been reunited with her family, while the circumstances surrounding her disappearance have raised concerns over a possible trafficking network operating under the guise of offering opportunities in the entertainment industry.
According to the girl's account, a woman identified as Nishima Ben approached her on October 13 and promised to arrange an opportunity for a film audition in Bengaluru. Initially reluctant to travel alone, the girl agreed after the woman assured her that she would join her within 15 days.
As she lacked sufficient 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 also arranged.
However, the promised audition allegedly never took place. After arriving at the airport, she was taken to an unfamiliar location and told that no shooting was scheduled and that she would have to undertake other work.
The girl alleged that her mobile phone was damaged and her SIM card removed, preventing her from contacting her family. She further claimed that she was confined and money was demanded from her relatives for her release.
According to her statement, the alleged demand initially stood at Rs 5 lakh, was subsequently raised to Rs 8 lakh and later reduced to Rs 2 lakh.
She has named Nishima Ben, Yuvraj Chowdhury, Naveen Chowdhury and Inzamamul Haque in connection with the incident. The allegations have not been independently verified.
After his daughter's disappearance, her father approached the police and later travelled to Mumbai on October 14 to search for her. Despite searching for four days, he returned to Tripura without locating her.
The breakthrough came after social activist Sumit contacted the family with information about her possible whereabouts in Bengaluru.
Social workers, including Nagesh of Hindu Maha Sangh and other volunteers, subsequently joined the search operation. The team 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 with the girl.
Social activist Khokon Chandra Pal said networks of volunteers in Bengaluru and Mumbai helped gather information and coordinate the rescue operation.
He also claimed that Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha had been monitoring developments in the case.
The incident has highlighted concerns over minors allegedly being lured outside their home states through promises of film auditions and employment opportunities.
