Police in Kolkata have made significant headway in a disturbing human trafficking case, arresting two individuals from a cafe in Kalyani on Tuesday. The arrests are linked to serious allegations of trafficking and the sexual exploitation of multiple minors and adults at a brothel operation in the city's Burtolla area.
Details of the Arrest and Initial Probe
Among the two persons taken into custody is a 27-year-old woman. Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that raids are currently underway to apprehend other suspects connected to the racket. According to a police officer, the accused lured victims with the promise of fake jobs at cafes in Kolkata and Nadia. However, upon reaching Kolkata, these girls were forcibly pushed into the flesh trade.
The investigation has its roots in a case registered last September at the Burtolla Police Station. The First Information Report (FIR) was filed under several stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 61(2), 98, 99, 143, and 144. These were read alongside sections 4 and 17 of the Pocso Act and relevant provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. The detective department later assumed control of the probe.
Key Accused and Criminal Conspiracy
Police documents reveal that the complaint was lodged suo motu by Inspector Sonali Dey of the IT section of the Detective Department. Investigators allege that on and before September 10, several accused parties entered into a criminal conspiracy to traffic girls and engage them in sexual exploitation for monetary gain.
The probe has identified several key figures:
- Saraswati Banerjee as the alleged brothel owner.
- Amit Banerjee as an alleged assistant in running the brothel.
- Puja Mistry and Sujata Halder were named for allegedly trafficking four minor girls.
- Dip Chatterjee and Akash Chowdhury were accused of trafficking other minor girls and at least two women, and of assisting in the overall trafficking operation.
Exploitation for Monetary Gain
The arrested woman has been identified as Sathi Biswas, alias Tina, with her address listed as Onkarnath Lane in Kalyani, Nadia. The police allegation states clearly that the girls were exploited on the premises to generate money. The accused and their associates are charged with committing grave offences related to human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating organized trafficking rings that prey on vulnerable individuals with false promises. The use of the Pocso Act underscores the involvement of minors, making the charges even more severe. The Kolkata Police's continued raids indicate their commitment to dismantling the entire network involved in this exploitative operation.
