In a significant breakthrough, the Anti-Human Trafficking Cell of the Mira Bhayander-Vasai Virar police dismantled a prostitution racket operating out of a flat in Naigaon, Palghar district, Maharashtra, on July 26, 2025. The operation led to the arrest of three Bangladeshi nationals and the rescue of a minor girl and a 21-year-old woman, both allegedly trafficked from Bangladesh and forced into the flesh trade.
Acting on a credible tip-off, the police raided the premises on Saturday evening, catching the perpetrators in the act. The arrested individuals, identified as Mohammad Khalid Bapari, Juber Harun Sheikh, and Shamin Gaffar Sardar, were allegedly running the illegal operation. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Madan Ballal, who led the raid, confirmed that the minor girl was being coerced into prostitution, highlighting the severity of the crime.
The rescued victims, both hailing from Bangladesh, were reportedly lured into India under false pretenses and subjected to exploitation. Following their rescue, they were placed under the care of the Rescue Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to rehabilitating trafficking victims. Authorities are providing medical and psychological support to the survivors as they work to uncover the full extent of the trafficking network.
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The accused face charges under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 96 (procuration of child), Section 98 (selling child for prostitution), Section 143(3) and 143(4) (trafficking of persons), and Section 144 (exploitation of a trafficked person). Additional charges have been filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, reflecting the gravity of the offenses.
This bust has exposed the dark underbelly of human trafficking in the region, raising concerns about cross-border networks exploiting vulnerable individuals. The police are continuing their investigation to identify potential accomplices and dismantle any larger syndicate involved. Local activists have praised the swift action but are urging stricter measures to curb such crimes in the future.
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