Navi Mumbai Police Rescue Teen Sisters Forced into Prostitution by Father
The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Navi Mumbai crime branch has successfully rescued two teenage sisters who were allegedly dragged into prostitution by their own father. In a shocking case that highlights the grim reality of human trafficking, the police arrested a pimp on February 20 and have launched a manhunt for the girls' father.
Operation and Arrest Details
Senior Inspector Prithviraj Ghorpade of the AHTU stated that the unit received a crucial tip-off regarding a prostitution racket being operated by a pimp identified as Harish Chhari. Chhari, a resident of Koparkhairane, was actively involved in exploiting the minor sisters. Since the girls were underage and lacked access to lodges and hotels, Chhari would personally take them to customers, charging an exorbitant fee of Rs 1.5 lakh per day for their services.
During interrogation, Chhari revealed the disturbing involvement of the girls' father in the illicit operation. The father allegedly willingly sent his daughters to Chhari to be provided to customers, a practice that had been ongoing for approximately four months. The sisters, who originally hail from Rajasthan, were residing with their father in Koparkhairane at the time of the rescue.
Legal Actions and Charges
An FIR has been registered against both accused individuals. They have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act for sexual assault and sexual harassment of a child. Chhari has been remanded to police custody until February 23 as investigations continue to uncover further details of the racket.
Rescue and Rehabilitation
The custody of the rescued teenage sisters has been formally handed over to the Child Welfare Committee. To ensure their safety and well-being, the girls have been accommodated at a juvenile shelter home located in Ulhasnagar. This step is part of the standard protocol to protect and rehabilitate minors rescued from such traumatic situations.
The case underscores the critical role of vigilant law enforcement and community tip-offs in combating human trafficking. The Navi Mumbai police are intensifying their efforts to locate and apprehend the girls' father, who remains at large, to bring all perpetrators to justice and prevent further exploitation.
