In a decisive crackdown on human trafficking, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Navi Mumbai crime branch successfully rescued a 16-year-old Bangladeshi minor and five other women from forced prostitution. The operation culminated in a raid at the Navnath Inn lodge located in the Taloja MIDC area on December 21.
Decoy Operation Leads to Raid and Rescue
Acting on a specific tip-off, the AHTU team, led by Senior Inspector Prithviraj Ghorpade, devised a plan to infiltrate the illicit operation. They sent a decoy customer to the lodge. Upon arrival, the accused room service boy, Roshan Yadav, presented the minor girl and six women to the decoy, offering sexual services. After the decoy selected a woman, Yadav accepted Rs 2,000 and directed the woman to a room with the decoy.
This was the signal the police team waiting outside needed. They immediately stormed the lodge, rescuing the victims and apprehending the suspects on the spot. The rescued women are aged between 22 and 39 years, and among them were three Bangladeshi nationals, including the minor.
Arrests and Stringent Legal Charges
The police did not stop at the rescue. They arrested three individuals allegedly running the prostitution racket from the lodge premises. Those taken into custody include lodge owner Vasant Shetty, manager Girish Shetty, and room service boy Roshan Yadav.
Given the grave nature of the crime, especially the involvement of a child, the Taloja police have invoked severe charges against the trio. They have been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for penetrative sexual assault and punishment for sexual assault on a child.
Additionally, the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA) has been applied. This act deals with offences like keeping a brothel, allowing premises to be used for prostitution, and living off the earnings of prostitution. Relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for trafficking of more than one person and trafficking of a child below 18 years have also been slapped on the accused.
A Blow to Organized Flesh Trade
This operation highlights the persistent efforts of the Navi Mumbai police to combat organized human trafficking networks that often prey on vulnerable individuals from neighboring countries. The successful use of a decoy customer and immediate raid demonstrates a tactical approach to gathering concrete evidence for prosecution.
The accused have been handed over to the Taloja police for further investigation and legal proceedings. This case serves as a stern warning to those involved in the flesh trade, especially those who exploit minors, that the law will come down with its full force.
