Nagpur Police Rescues Nurses and Woman in Major Anti-Trafficking Operation
In a significant crackdown on human trafficking, the Nagpur city police's crime branch special unit successfully rescued three women, including two nurses from Ludhiana and a woman from Gorakhpur, who were trapped in a flesh trade racket. The operation targeted a private hotel located in Wanadongri, on the outskirts of Nagpur, marking a crucial victory in the fight against exploitation.
Operation Shakti: A Coordinated Police Action
Acting on precise intelligence, the police conducted a raid at the hotel in Wanadongri at 4:50 PM on Tuesday. This operation, part of the flagship anti-trafficking mission Operation Shakti, continued until 12:20 AM on Wednesday, demonstrating the authorities' commitment to dismantling such illegal networks. The hotel, situated near a dental college on Sangam Road, was allegedly being used to lure and exploit vulnerable women with false promises of easy high income for what were described as short assignments.
The raid was led by Senior Inspector Dilip Chandan and his dedicated team, which included Naik Constable Sheshrao Raut, Constables Sameer Shaikh, Ashwin Mange, Kunal Masram, and other officers. Their swift and coordinated efforts were instrumental in the rescue mission, highlighting the effectiveness of specialized police units in combating organized crime.
Details of the Rescued Women and Arrest
Investigations revealed that two of the rescued women hailed from Ludhiana, Punjab, and had previously worked as nurses before falling victim to the flesh trade. The third woman is from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, underscoring the interstate nature of this trafficking operation. The women were trafficked to Nagpur under the guise of better financial opportunities, only to be exploited in the illicit trade.
During the operation, police arrested Nikhil Sonwane, a 27-year-old resident of Amravati, who is described as a well-connected interstate agent. He is accused of summoning the women and bringing clients to the hotel, which was owned by the Thakre brothers. Three other suspects—Yogesh Thakre, his brother Harshal, and Santosh Bisen—managed to escape and remain absconding. Sources indicate that Bisen has previous criminal records, adding to the seriousness of the case.
Evidence Seized and Police Leadership
The police seized material valued at approximately Rs 3.41 lakh, which included two mobile phones, Rs 2,500 in cash, a car, the hotel register, and other incriminating documents. These items are expected to play a key role in the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings. The operation was directed by top police officials, including Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal, Joint Commissioner of Police Navinchandra Reddy, Additional Commissioner of Police Vasant Pardeshi, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Maknikar, showcasing high-level oversight and coordination.
According to sources, the suspects used social media platforms to post advertisements and attract clients, highlighting the modern methods employed in such trafficking rings. The rescued women were examined medically, and the case has been handed over to the MIDC police station for further legal action under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and other relevant provisions.
Separate Raid in Ajni Leads to Another Rescue
In a related development, the social security wing of the crime branch conducted a separate raid at Jogi Nagar Lane in Ajni. Acting on specific information, they busted a rented room that had been converted into a sex den. During this operation, police arrested Mamta Thigale, a 36-year-old woman, who was allegedly luring vulnerable women with promises of quick higher earnings through prostitution. One woman, described as a housewife, was rescued from the premises.
Items seized in this raid included a mobile phone, Rs 2,000 in cash, and packets of condoms. A case has been registered at the Ajni police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. Both the accused and the rescued woman underwent medical examinations as part of standard procedure.
These operations underscore the Nagpur police's proactive stance against human trafficking and exploitation, with multiple raids conducted within a short timeframe to rescue victims and apprehend perpetrators. The use of intelligence-led missions like Operation Shakti reflects a strategic approach to tackling such crimes, aiming to provide justice and support to those affected while dismantling criminal networks operating in the region.
