Cuttack: Orissa high court has raised concern over the alleged illegal detention of an Odisha woman in Dubai and directed authorities to take immediate steps for her rescue and return to India.While hearing a habeas corpus petition on April 20, a division bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman noted lapses in police action and emphasised the urgency of coordinated intervention through diplomatic channels.The petition, filed by Titilagarh-based social activist Ranju Raiman, alleged that Hasta Bisi (37), a resident of Jagua village in Balangir district, is being held captive in a villa in Dubai by a foreign national with alleged assistance of some locals.
The case gained attention after a video clip surfaced on social media in which the woman appealed to the Indian govt for help.The court observed that despite the matter being brought to the notice of the local police, no FIR had been registered, nor had any visible step been taken. Taking note of the international dimension, the bench sought the assistance of deputy solicitor general Prasanna Kumar Parhi to facilitate action.
Parhi informed the court that while initial efforts had been made, the absence of crucial documents, including passport details, had impeded meaningful progress. Responding to this, petitioner’s counsel Ashis Kumar Mishra submitted that Balangir DSP Anita Pradhan already possesses relevant documents, including a photocopy of the victim’s passport, which had been shared with her family.The bench then directed state counsel Aishwarya Dash to immediately provide all available documents with the police to the deputy solicitor general.
It further instructed that upon receipt of these documents, steps must be taken without delay in coordination with the ministry of external affairs to ensure the woman’s repatriation or deportation.According to the petition, Bisi’s husband had migrated with his family to Mumbai eight years ago in search of livelihood, after which circumstances allegedly led to her current situation abroad. Her mother, Laba Bibi, had lodged a complaint at Titilagarh police station on Jan 6 this year.The high court posted the matter for hearing on May 11, while underlining the need for swift action to secure the woman’s safe return.
