Hasta Mahanand, a woman from Jagua village under Titilagarh block in Balangir district, who was allegedly sold by her husband to a UAE national in Mumbai, has finally returned to India after seven years of anguish and separation from her family. Her homecoming was made possible through the coordinated intervention of the Indian Consulate in Dubai and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with financial aid from the Indian Community Welfare Fund.
The Ordeal Begins
According to reports, Hasta was married to Premananda Mahanand, and the couple traveled to Mumbai in 2019 in search of work. During their stay, Premananda allegedly sold his wife to a UAE national to work as a househelp. Hasta briefly came to India in 2022 with her employer, but after returning to the Gulf, her family gradually lost all contact with her. Her passport was allegedly retained illegally by her sponsor, severely restricting her ability to travel or communicate freely.
Family's Desperate Search
As months turned into years with no word on her whereabouts, her family's anxiety deepened. In desperation, they approached local authorities and social activists. A social worker brought the matter to the Odisha High Court for help. The case gained fresh momentum when a video showing Hasta pleading for help began circulating on social media. In response, authorities intensified efforts to locate her and re-establish communication.
Consulate Intervention
Officials at the Indian Consulate in Dubai liaised with Emirati authorities and began verifying her identity through official records. Once she was found, the consulate discovered she was struggling financially and had no means to return to India on her own. The consulate arranged temporary housing and other essentials for her. Her flight back home was organized with assistance from the Indian Community Welfare Fund, which also covered the cost of her ticket. After completing all required paperwork, she was granted permission to travel back to India.
Relief for the Family
Hasta's return has brought immense relief to her family, especially her three daughters, who spent years anxiously with their grandparents, waiting for any news of their mother. The family expressed gratitude to the authorities and social workers who made her safe return possible.
