When Suniel Shetty Saved 128 Nepalese Women From Sex Trafficking And Arranged Flight Tickets For Safe Return

In 1996, Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty played a heroic role in rescuing 128 Nepalese women from sex trafficking. The incident, kept secret for nearly 28 years, was revealed by one of the survivors, Charimaya Tamang. Shetty, with the support of his mother-in-law, Vipula Kadri, founder of the NGO Save the Children, helped organize the women’s safe return to Nepal. Despite the Nepalese government’s refusal to accept the women due to lack of citizenship proof, Shetty funded their flight tickets, ensuring their safe journey home. This act was carried out discreetly to avoid glorification and retaliation from the mafia.

Key Points:

• Incident Date: February 5, 1996.
• Location: Kamathipura, Mumbai.
• Rescue Operation: Mumbai police, social workers, and NGOs.
• Rescued Individuals: 456 women, including 128 Nepalese.
• Issue: Nepalese government’s refusal to accept women without citizenship proof.
• Suniel Shetty’s Role: Funded flight tickets for 128 Nepalese women to return home.
• Support: Vipula Kadri and Save the Children NGO.
• Reason for Secrecy: Avoid glorification and mafia retaliation.
• Revelation: Survivor Charimaya Tamang’s account in the Vice India documentary “The Forgotten Ones: Human Trafficking in Nepal”.

Suniel Shetty’s altruism extended beyond his acting career, showcasing his commitment to humanitarian efforts. His involvement in the rescue and rehabilitation of these women underscores the potential for celebrities to impact social causes profoundly. The discreet nature of the operation highlights the sensitivity required in addressing such issues, where the safety and dignity of survivors are paramount. This episode in Shetty’s life serves as an inspiring example of using one’s influence for meaningful, life-changing interventions.