Nagpur Police Bust Guest House Prostitution Racket, Rescue Four Women in ‘Operation Shakti’
Under Operation Shakti, Nagpur Police raided a guest house involved in a prostitution racket, rescuing four women and arresting the hotel owner. ₹52,000 in cash and materials were seized.
NewsSutra
In a significant move against human trafficking and sexual exploitation, Nagpur Police have cracked down on a prostitution racket being run from a local guest house. The operation, conducted under the city’s targeted initiative “Operation Shakti,” led to the rescue of four women and the arrest of the guest house owner. Authorities also seized cash and incriminating materials amounting to over ₹52,000 during the raid.
This action underscores the city’s intensified efforts to combat illegal sex trade rackets that exploit vulnerable women under the guise of hospitality businesses.
The Raid and Rescue
Acting on a specific tip-off, the Social Security Branch of Nagpur Police carried out a planned raid at a guest house located in the Sitabuldi area, known for its bustling commercial activity. The guest house, registered as a regular lodging facility, was reportedly being used to run a covert sex trade operation.
During the raid, police found four women being trafficked and coerced into prostitution. The women, aged between 22 and 30, were rescued from the premises and are currently under the care of a local shelter home. Authorities stated that the women were brought in from different districts across Maharashtra and neighboring states under the pretense of employment opportunities.
The guest house owner, identified as Ramesh Pawar (42), has been arrested. He faces multiple charges under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA), 1956, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for trafficking, wrongful confinement, and exploitation of women.
Evidence and Financial Trail
Investigators seized the following during the operation:
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₹52,300 in cash suspected to be proceeds from the sex trade
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Multiple mobile phones used for client coordination and victim surveillance
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A register containing details of clients and intermediaries
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CCTV footage pointing to repeated visits by known suspects
Police believe that Pawar had converted at least two rooms in the guest house for illegal activities, running the racket with the help of agents who brought women from outside Nagpur.
Modus Operandi: Behind Closed Doors
According to police sources, the racket was functioning discreetly for several months. The trafficked women were forced to entertain clients under threat of financial penalties and emotional manipulation. Agents reportedly used social media and local classified platforms to advertise their services, masking them under fake wellness or massage offers.
Investigators suspect that this particular guest house was one node in a wider network operating across multiple lodges and rental properties in Nagpur. Efforts are ongoing to identify accomplices and others involved in the ring.
Police Speak: “Operation Shakti” in Action
Commissioner of Police, Nagpur, Amitesh Kumar, emphasized that the raid is part of a broader initiative to crack down on human trafficking and exploitation under “Operation Shakti”—a citywide campaign launched earlier this year to target organized crime involving women and children.
“Our aim is not just to arrest perpetrators but also to safeguard the rights of the victims, provide them with support, and prevent such crimes from taking root in our city,” Kumar stated. He also called for stronger vigilance by local property owners, urging them not to allow criminal activities under the cover of business operations.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The accused, Ramesh Pawar, has been booked under:
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Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act
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Relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) including criminal conspiracy and wrongful confinement
He has been remanded to police custody for further interrogation. The rescued women are undergoing counseling and rehabilitation, and their statements are being recorded to build a stronger case.
Authorities are also examining bank accounts and transaction records linked to the guest house to trace the financial flow and identify potential co-conspirators.
Broader Context: Rising Cases of Human Trafficking
Nagpur, like many urban centers, has witnessed a rise in covert trafficking and prostitution rackets, especially in low-profile lodges and rented accommodations. Experts cite economic vulnerabilities, joblessness, and lack of education as key factors making women susceptible to exploitation.
Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals a 12% increase in ITPA-related cases in Maharashtra in 2024, with major cities like Nagpur, Pune, and Mumbai seeing regular police action.
Public Support and Vigilance Urged
Nagpur Police have urged citizens to report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods and hotels. Helpline numbers for women’s safety and anti-human trafficking units have been made available across the city through posters, community outreach, and social media.
Women’s rights organizations have welcomed the raid and emphasized the importance of sensitizing hotel and lodge staff to signs of exploitation. They also demand speedy judicial action to ensure justice for the victims and strict penalties for the perpetrators.
Conclusion: A Message of Zero Tolerance
The guest house raid under Operation Shakti is a strong signal of Nagpur’s zero-tolerance approach to crimes against women. As the investigation unfolds, authorities hope that this action will act as a deterrent to others involved in or contemplating similar activities.
While arrests and rescues mark an important milestone, police officials stress that sustained efforts, public awareness, and institutional support are essential to root out human trafficking networks permanently.
