BRS Working Prez KTR intervention helps bring Warangal woman safely home from Muscat
Hyderabad, Aug 11 (TNT): A 45-year-old woman from Warangal, who allegedly spent 25 days in confinement and faced harassment in Muscat after being taken there on a tourist visa on the promise of domestic work, has returned safely to India following the intervention of BRS Working President and former Minister K T Rama Rao (KTR).
The woman, Mohammed Mahamuda, travelled to Muscat on July 16 after an agent allegedly promised her a domestic job.
After reaching Oman, she was allegedly handed over to a sub-agent who seized her mobile phone and passport, confined her to a room and forced her to work against her wishes.
She also alleged that she was subjected to harassment and physical assault during her confinement.
According to Mahamuda, when she expressed her desire to return to India, the sub-agent allegedly threatened to implicate her in a theft case and send her to jail.
She was allegedly told that she could leave only after paying Rs 1.13 lakh, which the sub-agent claimed had been spent on bringing her to Muscat.
With her passport withheld and unable to contact her family, Mahamuda remained stranded for nearly 25 days, fearing for her safety.
Her plight was brought to the notice of KTR through RTV anchor Manoj and journalist and Balagam TV CEO Balu Kaithi, who sought his intervention for her rescue and repatriation.
KTR assured that he would personally bear the expenses required to bring Mahamuda back safely, the BRS said in a statement here on Tuesday..
Following his intervention, BRS NRI Cell Muscat president Ahmed coordinated with the Indian Embassy and Muscat Police to trace the woman’s whereabouts and secure her release. Dubai ETCA president Peechara Kiran Kumar also assisted in the efforts.
After nearly a week of efforts, Mahamuda was traced and rescued with the assistance of Muscat Police.
She was subsequently taken to the Indian Embassy and kept under the care of embassy officials for three days while arrangements were made for her return to India.
Her passport was later recovered from the sub-agent, clearing the way for her repatriation.
Mahamuda reached Hyderabad International Airport safely and expressed gratitude to KTR for intervening in her case and coordinating with the BRS NRI Cell, Indian Embassy and local authorities.
KTR personally bore the travel and other expenses involved in bringing her back to India, the statement said.
He appreciated Ahmed, Peechara Kiran Kumar and Balu Kaithi for their efforts in securing Mahamuda’s release and facilitating her return.
He also thanked RTV anchor Manoj for bringing the matter to the attention of the concerned persons.
Following the incident, KTR urged people seeking employment in Gulf countries not to travel on tourist visas in search of jobs.
He advised those intending to work abroad to travel only on valid company-sponsored employment or work visas and to verify the credentials of recruitment agents, employers, job offers and visa documents before travelling.
KTR warned that travelling through unverified agents on tourist visas could expose job seekers to exploitation, confinement and harassment.
He said the BRS would continue to assist Telangana residents facing difficulties in Gulf countries by coordinating, wherever possible, with Indian missions, local authorities and other agencies.
TNT TS
