Palghar Police Bust Prostitution Racket In Vasai; 3 Bangladeshi Nationals Held, 2 Victims Rescued

Palghar: In a significant operation against human trafficking, Palghar police have uncovered a prostitution racket being run from a residential flat in Naigaon, Vasai. Three Bangladeshi nationals were arrested, and two victims, including a minor girl, were rescued, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

About The Case

Acting on a tip-off, the Anti-Human Trafficking Cell of the Mira Bhayander–Vasai Virar police conducted a raid on July 26 at a flat in Naigaon, located in the Vasai area.

According to ACP (Crime) Madan Ballal, officers found a minor girl at the scene who was allegedly being pushed into the flesh trade. A 21-year-old woman, also a victim of the racket, was rescued from the same premises.

The arrested accused have been identified as Mohammad Khalid Bapari, Juber Harun Sheikh, and Shamin Gaffar Sardar, all Bangladeshi nationals. Police say the victims, too, are from Bangladesh and were reportedly trafficked into India and forced into sex work.

Both victims have been shifted to a shelter run by the Rescue Foundation for their care and rehabilitation.

An FIR has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 96 (procuration of child), 98 (selling child for purposes of prostitution), 143(3) and 143(4) (trafficking), and 144 (exploitation of trafficked person). Additional charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act have also been applied.

The investigation is ongoing.