Andhra CM orders urgent steps to bring back Tirupati woman facing harassment in Kuwait

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday directed officials to take urgent measures to ensure the safe return of a woman from Tirupati district who was reportedly facing harassment in Kuwait.

The Chief Minister’s directive came in the wake of reports on the plight of Bhaghyavathi, a resident of Thondavada village in Tirupati district, who had travelled to Kuwait earlier this year for employment.

“Officials have been instructed to coordinate with all agencies concerned and ensure the victim (Bhaghyavathi) returns safely to India at the earliest,” said an official press release quoting Naidu.

Bhaghyavathi had gone to Kuwait in February to work as a domestic helper, but was allegedly sent without a valid employment visa by agents, it said.

The woman reportedly informed her family members through a selfie video circulated on social media that she was being subjected to physical and mental harassment and was being pressured to pay money to return home, said the release.

Following the state government’s intervention, Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRT) initiated discussions with the Indian Embassy in Kuwait to facilitate her safe return.

Naidu also directed officials to inquire into the role of the agents involved in sending her abroad and initiate legal action if any violations were detected.

Officials of the Tirupati district administration and Chandragiri police are in touch with the victim’s family members and assured them of full support until her safe return, it added.