File photo of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. (Press Trust of India)
A brother's tweet to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj led to the rescue of his sister from human traffickers in United Arab Emirates (UAE), a media report in Abu Dhai said.
Dev Tamboli, a worker in Qatar, said his sister was held captive in Al Ain by a human trafficking gang last week, Xpress Abu Dhabi newspaper reported yesterday.
"Need help for rescuing my sister from UAE. She went to UAE for a job on 14th but now locked up in a room. Please contact," Mr Tamboli tweeted to Mrs Swaraj on August 21.
"She has been kept captive with some other girls. And are even beaten Pls help," Mr Tamboli later tweeted again.
Mrs Swaraj, the next morning, replied with an assurance of intervention.
"I have asked our ambassador in the UAE to help. He will speak to you and do the needful," Mrs Swaraj's reply on August 22 read.
Later in the day, concerted efforts by Al Ain Police, Indian embassy officials and some Indian community leaders helped rescue the girl from the trafficking ring.
"We have rescued your sister with the help of local police. She is being moved to a shelter home run by the Indian embassy," Mrs Swaraj tweeted to Mr Tamboli that evening.
"My sister is safe now and soon after finishing some formalities, she will be sent home ... I am thankful to UAE and Indian authorities for all the help," the newspaper quoted Mr Tamboli as saying.
Mr Tamboli's sister Swati (name changed), a stewardess training certificate holder, came to Dubai to become an air hostess.
The 33-year-old, however, was given a baby sitter's job and was forced to work as a housemaid in Ajman emirate.
"When she refused, her agents beat her up. After two days, she was taken to Al Ain where she was locked up along with 10 other girls," Mr Tamboli said.
Mr Tamboli said that after a case was registered, the agents sensed trouble and tried to shift the girl to Oman.
"My sister told me she picked up a fist-fight with the men and managed to run away. She hid behind a bush on the roadside and remained there until she was rescued by the Al Ain Police," said Mr Tamboli.