India's Slave Brides |101 East | भारत का दास दुल्हन

The first paragraph discusses the severe gender imbalance in India, particularly in Haryana, where a preference for male babies has led to a shortage of women for marriage. This has resulted in the trafficking of young girls, sold to desperate men. Steve Chow investigates this issue on '101 East', highlighting the tragic lives of trafficked women who are treated as commodities rather than respected partners. The government advisor, Poonam Matraja, explains that due to the shortage, it's become common for men to buy brides from other states. A survey reveals that over 9,000 married women in Haryana are from elsewhere, with some being sold multiple times. Sanjeta's story is shared, detailing her kidnapping at age 10 and subsequent forced marriage and captivity.

The second paragraph follows Sanjida, who, despite being trafficked, has a family that treats her kindly. She now works for an NGO to empower trafficked women. The narrative then shifts to McLisha, a girl trafficked at 12, who endured abusive marriages and is now under police protection. The local district chief magistrate, Narendra Singh, addresses the challenges trafficked brides face in seeking justice due to illiteracy and language barriers. The police attempt to arrest McLisha's violent second husband, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat trafficking.

The third paragraph delves into the origins of many trafficked girls, starting with the northeastern state of Assam. The region's poverty, coupled with natural disasters like flooding, makes families vulnerable to traffickers' promises of financial assistance and job opportunities. A social worker recounts his experiences with over 100 rescue missions, and we meet a mother whose daughter was trafficked after her father's death. The mother's despair at her inability to rescue her daughter without funds is palpable.

The fourth paragraph continues with stories of families searching for their trafficked daughters. Majida, a mother with three young children, is unable to afford the search for her daughter. Another family recounts their six-year search for their 13-year-old daughter, who disappeared six years prior. The narrative also includes a 14-year-old girl who was one of the fortunate few to be found after being trafficked and sold into marriage, now living with her grandmother.

The fifth paragraph describes Majida's journey to Haryana to find her daughter, with the help of the police and necessary documents. The rescue mission, although successful in locating the daughter, ends with a heart-wrenching scene where Majida's daughter is torn between her mother and her husband. The husband denies that money was exchanged for the bride, but the police believe he paid for her. The situation underscores the complexities of trafficking cases and the emotional distress they cause.

The sixth and final paragraph addresses the Indian government's initiative to draft the country's first comprehensive anti-trafficking laws. It emphasizes that while laws are necessary, changing social norms and attitudes towards the value of women is crucial. Sanjida, now focused on her daughters' education, hopes for a better life for them, free from the suffering she endured.