Nagpur Police Intensifies Anti-Trafficking Drive with Major Property Sealing Operation
In a significant crackdown on human trafficking and prostitution, the Nagpur city police have sealed more than 100 rooms across 23 different premises over the last twelve months. This decisive action is part of their flagship initiative, 'Operation Shakti', which aims to dismantle organized sex trade networks and protect vulnerable individuals.
Legal Framework and Enforcement Escalation
The police invoked Section 18 of the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA) to seal properties found to be facilitating prostitution activities. These premises have been sealed for a period of one year, marking one of the highest recorded scales of such enforcement in the entire state of Maharashtra.
Officials have noted a clear and dramatic escalation in their enforcement efforts year by year. In 2024, only three rooms were sealed. The following year, 2025, saw sealing approved for 20 premises, although three property owners successfully obtained court stays to halt the action. This current year has already witnessed the sealing of three additional locations, demonstrating a sustained and intensifying campaign.
Widespread Action Across the City
While the operation included the well-known Ganga Jamuna red-light area, police efforts extended far beyond. Authorities sealed rooms in various hotels and a large number of private residential properties scattered throughout Nagpur. Two more premises are currently in the final stages of legal formalities and are slated for sealing soon.
"Sealing is the ultimate deterrence and we will continue this approach without let-up," stated City Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal, emphasizing the department's unwavering commitment to the operation.
Rescue Operations and Preventive Measures
Parallel to the property seizures, simultaneous raids conducted by crime branch and local police teams over the past 90 days have led to the rescue of more than 75 women and approximately five minors from exploitative situations. All rescued individuals received immediate medical examinations, psychological counselling, and safe shelter in government-run homes while awaiting further court proceedings.
To prevent future misuse of properties, the Nagpur police have proactively released and widely circulated video messages on social media platforms. These messages serve as stern warnings to landlords, house owners, and property brokers against renting or leasing their premises to individuals involved in sex trafficking rackets.
Holding Accomplices Accountable
'Operation Shakti' also focuses on holding accomplices accountable. The drive has led to the arrests of several landlords and hotel owners following raids on sex rackets operating from their properties. This underscores the police's strategy to target the entire support ecosystem of the illegal trade.
"We are preparing awareness campaign posters and are also educating the masses, landlords, and hotel owners against making their premises available for any form of trafficking and prostitution," explained a senior police official involved in the operation.
The overarching goals of 'Operation Shakti' remain clear: to systematically dismantle prostitution networks, protect vulnerable individuals from being pulled into the trade, and utilize stringent legal measures to ensure property owners and middlemen face consequences for their complicity.
