42-Year-Old Woman Rescued from Lifetime of Captivity: Polish Parents Held Daughter Hostage for 27 Years

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : A shocking case has come to light from the southern Polish town of Swietochlowice. A couple held their own daughter hostage in their home for 27 years. Police rescued the 42-year-old victim, Mirella, after neighbors reported hearing strange noises coming from their apartment. When police arrived, Mirella was found extremely weak, soiled, and terrified.

Mirella was imprisoned since the age of 15

According to local media reports, Mirella was imprisoned by her parents at the age of 15. They lied to society that their daughter had disappeared. They maintained this lie for years, never allowing anyone to look inside the house. Police became suspicious when neighbors heard sounds of a woman crying and utensils falling from the flat at night.

She started trembling on seeing the police, her condition was very bad

When the police broke the door, Mirella was sitting huddled in the corner of the room. Her condition was very critical – there were wounds on her body, there was an infection in her leg and according to the doctors, if there had been a delay of a few days, she could have died. She was immediately admitted to the hospital. Doctors said that so many years of imprisonment had taken a deep toll on both her physical and mental health.

Neighbors said, "I can't believe it. She was such a happy-go-lucky girl"

People who knew Mirella as a child are still in shock. Luisa, a woman who lives in the building, said, "We always thought Mirella had gone away to study. We never imagined she was confined to the same house for so many years."

Neighbours are rallying to help

Neighbours and locals are now raising funds for Mirella to provide her with rehabilitation and medical care. Despite being rescued in July, the case only became public in October, sparking outrage across Poland.

Police have arrested Mirella's parents

and charged them with serious human rights abuses, including confinement and attempted murder. According to officials, the case is considered "one of the most horrific cases of domestic abuse in Europe."