Human trafficking in Benaras is subject of hard-hitting documentary

Benaras, one of the oldest cities of the world and religious capital of India, as many would call it. And now, Culture Machine's digital channel for women Blush, has released a documentary bringing forth another facet of the city, an unpleasant one. Released under Blush Originals, the documentary titled Gudiya, highlights the sensitive issue of human trafficking and sexual slavery in the city. The documentary showcases stories of three women rescued by NGO Guria Sansthan run by husband- wife duo Ajeet and Manju, who also throw light on the nexus between the government, police and pimps in the flesh trade.'

In this hard-hitting documentary, we hear of infants being stolen only to be injected with hormone injections and groomed to be commercial sex workers. Parents of victims as young as 6 years are told that their daughter must have ran away with a man when they come forward to file FIRs about their abduction for what is known to be the oldest profession. The episode shows how Benaras is starting to become increasingly dangerous for women and young girls alike as they are sold in open markets to government officials and police themselves in addition to the public.

Talking about Guriya Sansthan's efforts, Culture Machine said in a statement, "Human trafficking is one of the most unfortunate and cruel situations plaguing our world. Women are subjected to the most inhuman forms of torture and behavior and our society isn't always ready to assimilate former victims into the real world but Guria Sansthan is making this happen. Not only are they taking on the power houses but are also giving these women and young girls hope for a better future and are assisting them in overcoming their past. We salute their efforts and hope that we can help their cause by creating awareness through this film. As Manju rightly says - the followers play a huge role in a war".

Recounting their horrifying experiences, three victims reveal their stories of how they were abducted either by trusted friends or at gunpoint and were gang raped and tortured into submission. With the police also helping the pimps, the only way out for each of these victims was Guria Sansthan.