Couple held for forcing minor to work as maid

Kiran SonawaneA 12-year-old girl who was allegedly forced to work as a maid and tortured by her employers in Ulhasnagar was rescued on Wednesday. The employer couple has been arrested.

A 12-year-old girl who was allegedly forced to work as a maid and tortured by her employers in Ulhasnagar was rescued on Wednesday. The employer couple has been arrested.

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Shaukatali Mohammad Kasim Ansari, 43, and his wife Ajarana, 28, brought Shama Sakir Mohammad Ansari from her hometown in Patna to their residence in Sheravali Palace two years ago. The couple had promised Shama’s parents that they would get her enrolled in a school. Instead, the girl was allegedly forced to do household work. If Shama refused, the couple allegedly beat her up.

Rajesh Vadheriya, corporator, who informed the police about the girl’s plight, said, “My office is close to Ansari’s house. When one of my employees told me about the girl, we called Shama to our office. Shama then told us about how she was kept hungry if she didn’t work and also showed us the bruises on her body. We then told the police.”

PA Patil, assistant labour commissioner, Kalyan, said, “Vadheriya filed a complaint on Tuesday alleging that the couple forced Shama to do household work and tortured her when she refused. We then raided their residence on Wednesday and rescued the girl.”