Trapped in a City of Dreams
In 1996, 128 Nepalese women were lured to Mumbai with promises of jobs. Instead, they were forced into brothels and held against their will. Their identities were stripped, their documents confiscated. Trapped in the city’s underworld, they had no way out—until an unexpected figure stepped in to help them.
An Actor Steps In—Off Camera
Suniel Shetty, then at the height of his acting career, learned of the situation. Without publicity, he collaborated with authorities and NGOs to organize a discreet rescue operation. The effort successfully freed all 128 women, who had been trafficked into Mumbai’s red-light district.
When Governments Said No
After the rescue, Indian authorities approached Nepal to repatriate the women. The Nepalese government refused. To prevent further risk to the survivors, Shetty personally paid for all their airfare back to Nepal. He also coordinated with NGOs in Nepal to provide care and reintegration support on arrival.
Silent for 24 Years
Suniel Shetty never spoke about the rescue. For 24 years, the story remained untold—until 2020, when one of the women revealed it in an interview. She described how he had intervened, organized their return, and ensured they received help. Only then did the public learn of what had taken place in 1996.
In 1996, 128 Nepalese women were lured to Mumbai with promises of jobs.
Instead, they were forced into brothels and held against their will.
Trapped in the city’s underworld, they had no way out—until an unexpected figure stepped in to help them…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/GoF56pdXTD
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) July 5, 2025