Thane Crime Branch Busts Online Escort Racket; Two Women Rescued, One Arrested

The Thane Crime Branch has busted an online escort service operating as a front for a sex trafficking racket. One person was arrested and two women were rescued during a raid on Friday.

According to officials, the operation was being run under the guise of an online escort service. The accused allegedly posted advertisements on Google and shared the profiles of women with prospective clients.

"Acting on a tip-off, we laid a trap at Hotel Shiv Vandana Lodging and Boarding in Thane," said Chetna Chaudhary, Police Inspector of the Human Trafficking Cell, Thane Police. "We rescued two women and arrested one agent. Two other suspects are currently absconding."

An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. The arrested accused was produced in court and remanded to police custody. A manhunt has been launched to track down the remaining two accused.

The Human Trafficking Cell has intensified its crackdown on illegal sex trade operations across the city.