In a decisive crackdown on illegal activities in the district's hospitality establishments, the Padubidri police have successfully dismantled a prostitution racket operating from a lodge in Kaup taluk. The operation led to the arrest of two individuals and the rescue of women who were allegedly being exploited.
Acting on a Credible Tip-Off
The police action was initiated based on specific and credible intelligence received by the Padubidri police station. The information indicated that women were being forced into prostitution from rooms 208 and 209 on the second floor of a lodge situated near the busy National Highway 66 in Nadsalu village. The tip-off suggested the operation was being run with the sole intention of earning illegal money.
The Raid and Arrests
Acting swiftly on the information, a team led by Kaup circle inspector Azmath Ali and Padubidri police sub-inspector Sakthivel E conducted a surprise raid at the lodge premises. During the operation, the police confirmed the disturbing modus operandi. The accused were found to be luring women in distress, bringing them to the lodge, and then providing them to customers in exchange for money.
The two men arrested in connection with the illegal racket have been identified as Yatiraj Polya Shetty (48) and Naveen Poojary (39), both residents of Kaup. Following their arrest, the women involved in the racket were successfully rescued by the police team.
Legal Action and Judicial Custody
The police have registered a formal case against the accused under stringent legal provisions. The charges include Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3(1), 4, and 5 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. After the arrests, the accused were produced before a local court, which subsequently remanded them to judicial custody.
This raid is part of a broader initiative by the Udupi district police to take strict action against unlawful activities being conducted in resorts, lodges, and other similar establishments across the region. The operation underscores the police's commitment to acting on citizen information and cracking down on organized crime that exploits vulnerable individuals.
