Trafficked Kerala woman finally returns from Malaysia in landmark airlift

Kuala Lumpur: Mini Bhargavan (54), who suffered severe burn injuries while being trafficked in Malaysia, returned to India on Thursday night via a special air ambulance. She was received at Cochin International Airport and subsequently transferred to the Ernakulam Government Medical College for continued treatment under the guidance of NORKA General Manager T. Rashmi.

Dr Vara, CEO of MITR Medi Services, who led the air ambulance operation, confirmed that the repatriation went smoothly and there were no major health complications during the journey.

Hospitalisation in Penang

Mini Bhargavan had been admitted to Penang General Hospital on 7 March after sustaining burn injuries while working at her employer’s home.

Neither her employer nor the agent informed her family of her condition. When she became unreachable by phone, her relatives lodged a complaint with the Loka Kerala Sabha Secretariat. This led to an investigation by Sabha representatives in Malaysia, which uncovered her critical condition.

Health improving after 2 months in coma

Hospital officials reported that Bhargavan had been unconscious for over two and a half months, suffering from burns that affected 26 per cent of her body. Her condition has since been showing signs of improvement. Her son, Ratheesh Kumar, travelled to Malaysia earlier this week to assist in the repatriation.

Employer pays for medical evacuation

Following complaints by Loka Kerala Sabha representative Athmesan Pachat and Indian Heritage Society official Sasikumar Poduval, officials from the Indian Embassy’s labour wing intervened.

As diplomatic pressure mounted, the employer agreed to cover the cost of the air ambulance. This marked the first instance of a Malayali victim of human trafficking being flown back from abroad via air ambulance.

Widespread support and embassy’s prompt action

The Indian Embassy’s swift action in coordination with local organisations received widespread public attention. The Loka Kerala Sabha Secretariat expressed gratitude to all who supported the medical repatriation, including embassy staff and Malaysian-based groups.

NORKA Roots General Manager T. Rashmi was present at the airport to oversee further arrangements.

Ongoing human trafficking concerns

Many Indian nationals, including Malayalis, are brought to Malaysia for domestic work under the pretext of visiting visas. Malaysia, unlike Middle Eastern countries, does not allow the conversion of visiting visas into work permits.

Most victims are unaware of this regulation. Official records show that over a thousand Indians are imprisoned in Malaysia each year due to visa-related offences—a number that continues to rise.

Athmesan Pachat noted that Mini Bhargavan is one among many who were misled with false job promises and brought into the country under visiting visas.