Six minor girls ‘trapped in horrific conditions’ rescued from orchestra groups in Bihar

Acting on inputs from the National Human Rights Commission and intelligence provided by Narayani Seva Sansthan (NSS), the Saran police on Wednesday (July 2, 2025) raided multiple orchestra groups and rescued six minor girls from horrific conditions of sexual exploitation and abuse.

Three of the rescued girls are from Bihar, and the remaining were trafficked from West Bengal, Delhi, and Nepal. The girls, the youngest of whom was found to be 15 years old, revealed that the orchestra operators not only subjected them to inhumane treatment but also forced them to dance to vulgar songs. If they refused, they were tortured and physically assaulted.

Last week, the Patna High Court, while hearing a petition filed by Just Rights for Children (JRC), issued a notice to the Bihar Government demanding immediate regulation and monitoring of orchestra groups to prevent the trafficking, sexual abuse, and exploitation of minor girls.

The raids were carried out on three groups: New Orchestra Group, Shiv Shakti Orchestra, and Muskan Orchestra and Musical Group. While the girls, aged between 15 and 17, were rescued, the orchestra owners escaped during the raids and are currently absconding.

Police efforts to trace and arrest them are underway. The rescued minor girls were taken to the Ekma police station and later presented before the Child Welfare Committee.

Orchestra hub

Saran district is known as a hub of orchestra activity in Bihar. For years, minor girls have been lured from other states and even across international borders with false promises of opportunity and income.

Once brought into these groups, the girls are trapped, exploited, and subjected to sexual abuse. They are made to wear revealing clothes and forced to perform obscene dances for male audiences.

For the past two years, Narayani Seva Sansthan, a partner of JRC, has been running a dedicated campaign against the exploitation of minor girls in orchestra groups.

Rituraj, Secretary of Narayani Seva Sansthan, appreciated the active support and cooperation of the government and administration. He said that it is only with the administration’s help that the police are now able to take strict action against traffickers and orchestra owners who illegally employ and exploit minor girls.

Luring vulnerable girls

Rituraj added, “These orchestra groups have opened offices across various states, from where their agents lure girls from poor and vulnerable families — tempting them with promises of a glamorous future. Once trapped, these girls are forced to perform obscene dances in skimpy clothing, and many are pushed into prostitution.”

In the official press statement, Saran police said, “On the instructions of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Saran, Dr. Kumar Ashish, personnel from Ekma police station conducted an early morning raid today and freed 6 minor girls.

In this regard, Ekma Police Station Case No. 256/25 has been registered, and further action is being taken.

“Under the direction of SSP Saran, a total of 194 girls have been freed from immoral prostitution in Saran district, since May 2024, and 24 cases have been registered and 61 accused arrested and sent to judicial custody. Raids are continuing to arrest the remaining accused,” police said in the statement.