Nagpur Police Rescues Nurses and Woman from Flesh Trade Operation in Wanadongri Hotel
In a significant crackdown on human trafficking, the Nagpur city police's crime branch special unit successfully rescued three women, including two nurses from Ludhiana and a woman from Gorakhpur, who were trapped in a flesh trade operation being run from a private hotel in Wanadongri, on the outskirts of Nagpur. The rescue operation was part of the flagship anti-trafficking mission 'Operation Shakti', demonstrating the police's commitment to combating such crimes.
Timely Raid Based on Intelligence Inputs
Acting on specific intelligence, the police conducted a raid at a hotel located in Wanadongri at 4:50 PM on Tuesday. The operation, which was meticulously planned, continued until 12:20 AM on Wednesday, ensuring thorough investigation and evidence collection. The hotel, situated near a dental college on Sangam Road, was allegedly being used as a front to lure and exploit vulnerable women by promising them easy high income for what were described as 'short assignments'.
Details of the Rescue and Arrest
The raid was led by Senior Inspector Dilip Chandan and his dedicated team, which included Naik Constable Sheshrao Raut, Constables Sameer Shaikh, Ashwin Mange, Kunal Masram, and other officers. Investigations revealed that two of the rescued women were originally from Ludhiana, Punjab, and had been working as nurses before falling prey to the flesh trade. The third woman hailed from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the interstate nature of this trafficking network.
During the operation, police arrested Nikhil Sonwane (27), a resident of Amravati, who is believed to be a well-connected interstate agent. He was allegedly responsible for summoning the women and bringing clients to the hotel, which was owned by the Thakre brothers. Three other suspects—Yogesh Thakre, his brother Harshal, and Santosh Bisen—managed to escape and are currently absconding. Sources indicate that Bisen has previous criminal records, adding to the gravity of the case.
Modus Operandi and Seized Evidence
The suspects reportedly trafficked the women to Nagpur under false pretenses of offering better financial opportunities. To attract clients, they posted advertisements on social media platforms, exploiting digital tools for illicit gains. The operation was directed by high-ranking officials including CP Ravinder Singal, Joint CP Navinchandra Reddy, Additional CP Vasant Pardeshi, and DCP Rahul Maknikar, underscoring its importance.
Police seized material valued at approximately Rs 3.41 lakh, which included two mobile phones, Rs 2,500 in cash, a car, hotel registers, and other incriminating documents. These items are crucial for further legal proceedings and to dismantle the network.
Legal Proceedings and Separate Raid
The rescued women were medically examined, and the case has been handed over to the MIDC police station for further legal action under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and other relevant provisions. In a related development, a separate raid was conducted at Jogi Nagar Lane in Ajni, where a rented room had been converted into a sex den.
Acting on specific information, the social security wing of the crime branch raided the premises and arrested Mamta Thigale (36), who was allegedly luring vulnerable women with promises of quick higher earnings through prostitution. One woman was rescued during this raid. Items seized included a mobile phone, Rs 2,000 cash, and condom packets. A case has been registered at Ajni police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, with the accused and rescued woman undergoing medical examination.
These coordinated efforts by Nagpur police highlight a robust approach to tackling human trafficking and protecting women from exploitation, with ongoing investigations to bring all perpetrators to justice.
