Call girl escapes brothel with customer's help

24-year-old from Kolkata, who was lured to city with promise of role in films, fled by breaking open window of Versova flat

24-year-old from Kolkata, who was lured to city with promise ofu00a0role in films, fled by breaking open window of Versova flat

She came to the city of dreams to act in films. Her dream soon turned into a nightmare after she was forced into the flesh trade.

IN SAFE HANDS: The victim, Anita Bose who was brought to Mumbai six years ago, with members of an NGO after her rescue on Sunday. Pic/Shiva Devnath

A 24-year-old woman from Kolkata, who was brought to Mumbai six years ago, on Sunday escaped from a flat in Versova village where she was being held captive.

A man identified as Jugal Singh allegedly forced Anita (not her real name) into the flesh trade.

Singh himself had lured her to Mumbai by promising to get her a role in films. "I was regularly raped and tortured. I managed to flee by breaking open a window while Singh was asleep in another room," said Anita.

"One of my customers had told me about a women's self-help group at Seven Bungalows and I went to them for help."

"Jugal forced me to work as a call girl and said he would harm my family members if I did not heed to his demands," said Anita, who hails from a very poor family in Kolkata.

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Jugal allegedly runs the sex racket by releasing newspaper advertisements inviting friendships with girls. "I used to be sent out with those who responded to the advertisements. Whenever I went out, Singh's men escorted me and I was never left alone, making it difficult for me to escape," said Anita. "When the girl came to our organisation's office a couple of days ago, she seemed terribly frightened," said Sundari Thakur, chairperson of Alankar. "We have registered a complaint against Singh and his accomplices -- Ankesh and Ali -- at the Versova police station."

Commending Anita's bravery, Thakur said, "We hope to give Anita a better life." The police, meanwhile, have launched a manhunt for Singh and his associates.

"We have recorded the girl's statement and are trying to trace the accused," said Senior Inspector Suresh Nalavade of Versova police station.