Warangal Woman Rescued from Oman After 25-Day Ordeal
A 45-year-old woman from Warangal, Mohammed Mahamuda, has returned to India after reportedly enduring 25 days of confinement and harassment in Muscat, Oman. She had travelled to Muscat on July 16 on a tourist visa after an agent promised her domestic work.
According to details shared by the woman and a press release from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), upon arrival she was handed over to a sub-agent who confiscated her mobile phone and passport, confined her to a room, and forced her to work against her wishes. She alleged that she faced harassment and physical assault during this period.
When Mahamuda expressed her desire to return home, the sub-agent allegedly threatened to implicate her in a theft case and warned that she would only be allowed to leave after paying Rs 1.13 lakh – money she was told had been spent on bringing her to Muscat. With no access to her phone or outside help, she remained trapped for nearly 25 days.
The matter came to light when RTV anchor Manoj brought it to the attention of journalist and Balagam TV CEO Balu Kaithi, who then contacted BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao (KTR). KTR assured immediate assistance and said he would personally bear the expenses for her return.
Following this, BRS NRI Cell Muscat president Ahmed coordinated with the Indian Embassy and local authorities, along with Dubai ETCA president Peechara Kiran Kumar. With the help of the Muscat Police, Mahamuda’s whereabouts were traced and she was rescued from the alleged confinement. The amount demanded by the sub-agent was arranged to secure her release.
She was then kept under the care of Indian Embassy officials for three days while repatriation arrangements were made. Her passport was recovered from the sub-agent on Tuesday, and she subsequently reached Hyderabad International Airport safely.
Speaking after her return, Mahamuda thanked KTR for his intervention and for covering her travel and other expenses. She expressed gratitude to Ahmed, Kiran Kumar, Balu Kaithi, and anchor Manoj for their roles in facilitating her rescue.
In response to the incident, KTR urged people seeking employment in Gulf countries not to travel on tourist visas in search of jobs. He advised them to travel only with valid company-sponsored employment or work visas and to thoroughly verify the credentials of recruitment agents and employers.
The case highlights the risks faced by migrant workers who travel on tourist visas, a practice that leaves them vulnerable to exploitation. Authorities have repeatedly warned against such arrangements, as workers are left without legal protections.
The Indian Embassy in Oman has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter. The alleged sub-agent has not been publicly identified in reports.
