Daijiworld Media Network - Thrissur

Thrissur, Jul 30: A Kerala court has discharged five individuals — including two nuns and three others from Jharkhand — in a 2022 case involving allegations of human trafficking of three underage girls for domestic work, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish any evidence of threat, coercion, or exploitation.

In a detailed order issued on July 26, I Additional Sessions Judge K Kamanees in Thrissur stated that the prosecution could not even establish a prima facie case under Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with trafficking of persons.

The court observed that the survivors, aged between 15 and 18, never claimed they were coerced, abducted, or deceived. “There is absolutely no recital that the girls had been transported using any threats,” the court said, adding, “There is no case of abduction, fraud, or abuse of power.”

It further noted that no payment or transaction had taken place for their travel, and none of the witnesses, including the girls, indicated any conditions resembling slavery or servitude.

The case was originally filed by the Railway Police in 2022 after Childline members intercepted the girls at Thrissur railway station, alleging they were being transported from Jharkhand to various convents in Kerala to work as domestic help.

However, the court concluded that the main allegations — coercion and inducement — were not supported by any testimony or evidence, leading to the discharge of all five accused.

The ruling brings an end to the case, underlining the importance of concrete evidence in trafficking allegations.