Nagpur Police Apprehend Couple in Major Human Trafficking Crackdown
In a significant enforcement action against human trafficking and the illicit sex trade, the Nagpur police Anti-Human Trafficking Squad has successfully arrested a couple involved in supplying women for commercial sexual exploitation. This operation, codenamed 'Operation Shakti', was spearheaded by senior inspector Lalita Todase and marks a critical step in combating organized crime in the region.
Arrest Made in Coordinated Police Sting
The accused individuals, identified as Tauseef Qureshi (26) and Joya Qureshi (24), were apprehended red-handed at Rani Durgawati Chowk on Monday. The operation was meticulously conducted under the direct supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rahul Maknikar and Additional Commissioner of Police Vasant Pardeshi, highlighting the high-level coordination within the police force.
Acting on a credible tip-off after an extended period of surveillance, the police devised a strategic trap by deploying a decoy customer. The couple supplied two women, aged 24 and 26, to this undercover officer, charging approximately ₹2,000 per encounter. This evidence-based approach ensured a solid case against the perpetrators.
Background and Modus Operandi of the Accused
Investigations reveal that Tauseef, who previously worked in a butcher's shop, initially met Joya through a mutual friend. Joya, originally from Mumbai, later separated from her husband and relocated to Nagpur to live with Tauseef. The couple then established connections with an intermediary named Komal, who is currently evading arrest and is known to be a repeat offender in such crimes.
Komal played a pivotal role by supplying young girls and women to Tauseef and Joya for trafficking purposes. The duo would subsequently arrange clients and dispatch the women to various locations, facilitating a network of exploitation. This case underscores the organized nature of human trafficking operations that often prey on vulnerable individuals.
Rescue and Legal Proceedings
Following the arrest, the two rescued women were immediately provided with medical examinations to assess their health and well-being. They have been transferred to a government-operated shelter home, where they will receive necessary safety, support, and rehabilitation services to aid their recovery from this traumatic experience.
An First Information Report (FIR) has been officially registered at the Pachpaoli police station. The charges include relevant sections of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and other stringent anti-trafficking laws, ensuring that the legal process moves forward to hold the accused accountable. This action reflects the police's commitment to enforcing laws designed to protect victims and dismantle trafficking networks.
The ongoing manhunt for Komal indicates that investigations are continuing, with authorities determined to bring all involved parties to justice. This crackdown serves as a stern warning to those engaged in such illicit activities and reinforces the importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting to combat human trafficking effectively.
