Jhalawar Police Bust Interstate Human Trafficking Network
JAIPUR: Jhalawar Police on Thursday arrested three additional accused from Mumbai in connection with an interstate human trafficking network, bringing the total number of arrests to 11. Investigators have rescued 15 girls, including several minors, in what is described as one of the state's most significant anti-trafficking operations in recent years.
Jhalawar Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar identified the newly arrested individuals as Mohammad Hanif, Anwar Alam, and Rajesh Davle, all residents of Mumbai. Kumar stated that investigators have uncovered financial transactions exceeding Rs 1 crore in bank accounts linked to the accused. A detailed examination of their assets, bank records, and financial dealings is underway to determine the scale of the alleged trafficking racket.
Police revealed that the network was dismantled on June 5 following an operation that exposed an organized syndicate allegedly operating across Jhalawar, Bundi, Tonk, Gwalior, and Mumbai. Investigators allege that the gang targeted economically vulnerable families, purchased minor girls under false pretenses, and subsequently forced them into prostitution.
According to police, documents recovered during the investigation indicate an extensive trafficking network in which victims were trapped through debt and coercive arrangements. The system was designed to make it difficult for the girls to leave or return to their families. During the latest phase of the investigation, police rescued four minor girls, including one aged six, and another girl from Tonk district.
The three accused arrested in Mumbai were produced before a court and remanded to four days of police custody. The eight accused arrested earlier have been sent to judicial custody.
Of the 15 girls rescued so far, police have confirmed that 12 are minors, while two have been identified as adults. The age of one girl is still being verified. Investigators said two of the rescued girls were below six years of age. Nine victims are from Jhalawar district, five from Tonk district, and one from Bundi district.
Police said the investigation has now expanded beyond the trafficking allegations to include financial and property-related aspects of the racket. Investigators are identifying properties allegedly acquired using proceeds from the operation and examining the movement of funds through multiple bank accounts.
