Parents Leasing Daughters in Rajasthan: A harrowing trend has emerged in Rajasthan, where desperate parents are leasing their daughters to settle financial obligations, a practice that sends chills down the spine of any observer.Alarming trend in villages of RajasthanThe situation in Rajasthan has reached a point where young girls are treated like commodities. Despite police action, these transactions occur under a veil of secrecy, making it difficult for authorities to intervene effectively. The practice has infiltrated numerous districts, with rural families primarily involved in this distressing trade.Heart-wrenching casesJhalawar: In 2020, an 8-year-old from Jhalawar was leased for ₹300,000 to a man in Bundi district, who then subjected her to repeated drugging and rape. Rescued in 2021 by an NGO, her recovery was slow, and her parents attempted to reclaim her to continue repaying a debt.Bundi: A 15-year-old from Bundi was sold into prostitution in Agra by her own mother to offset an ₹18 lakh debt. She endured daily abuse, with her earnings split between her captor and her family until her rescue in 2024.Bhilwara: A 13-year-old in Bhilwara was sold three times by her parents, first to Gwalior for ₹1.5 lakh, then to Sawai Madhopur for ₹500,000, and finally to Nagpur for three years. The police intervened, but her condition remains dire.The paper trail of exploitationShockingly, these transactions are often documented, with contracts stipulating that if the girl escapes or returns home before the lease term ends, she must be sent back to the lessee.Affected districtsThe districts of Banswara, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Bhilwara, and Bundi are among those witnessing this dark trade, despite ongoing efforts by Rajasthan Police and social organizations for reform.