Pune Police Conduct Major Raid, Rescue 17 Women from Sex Racket
In a significant operation, the Dighi police in Pune successfully busted a sex racket and rescued 17 women from a hotel located on Alandi-Charholi Road. The raid, conducted in the early hours of Tuesday, marks a crucial step in combating human trafficking and illegal prostitution in the region.
Tip-Off Leads to Decoy Operation and Raid
Inspector Vinayak Patil of the Dighi police revealed that the operation began after receiving a credible tip-off about a sex racket being operated from a hotel along the Alandi-Charholi Road. To confirm the information, the police deployed a decoy, which provided the necessary evidence to proceed with the raid.
"After confirmation, our team raided the hotel in the early hours on Tuesday," stated Inspector Patil, highlighting the swift action taken by the authorities.
Rescue of Women and Arrests Made
During the raid, police discovered 17 women in various rooms of the hotel. Most of these women were from other states and had been forced into prostitution by the accused, underscoring the severity of the trafficking operation. The police arrested two managers and four workers at the hotel, who are believed to be directly involved in running the illicit racket.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigation
All rescued women have been placed in a rescue home for their safety and rehabilitation. Inspector Patil added, "We are searching for the owner and another person who ran the sex racket," indicating that the investigation is ongoing to apprehend all individuals responsible.
The case has been registered under:
- Section 143 (trafficking of person) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Relevant sections of The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956
This legal framework emphasizes the serious charges of human trafficking and illegal prostitution, with authorities committed to ensuring justice for the victims.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
The bust highlights the persistent issue of sex trafficking in urban areas and the critical role of police vigilance. By acting on tip-offs and conducting thorough operations, law enforcement aims to dismantle such networks and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to combat human trafficking and support survivors through rescue and rehabilitation initiatives.