Pune Crime Branch Rescues 9 Women From Prostitution Racket

On Monday, the Anti-Human Trafficking Cell of the Pune Crime Branch conducted a raid on two lodges near Navale Bridge in Ambegaon Budruk, rescuing nine women who were allegedly forced into prostitution. The operation resulted in the arrest of two individuals, including a lodge manager and an auto-rickshaw driver.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Rakesh Raju Patole, a 27-year-old resident of Benkar Chawl, and Mangesh Vyankat Bansode, the manager of Galaxy Lodge. According to police, Patole allegedly procured customers and facilitated the operation, while Bansode was involved in running the racket as the lodge manager.

The raid was carried out at Sai Kiran Lodge and Galaxy Lodge, located on Katraj-Ambegaon Road near Burger King at Navale Bridge. The Anti-Human Trafficking Cell had received specific information that women were being exploited for prostitution at the lodges, which led to the deployment of a decoy customer to verify the information.

After confirming the illegal activity, the police conducted simultaneous raids at the two lodges, rescuing the nine women who were allegedly being exploited for commercial sexual activities. The operation was conducted under the guidance of Gauhar Hasan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), and led by Police Inspector Ashalata Khapare and Assistant Police Inspector Vikram Misal of the Anti-Human Trafficking Cell.

The Pune Crime Branch has been actively working to combat human trafficking and prostitution in the city. This operation is a significant step in the efforts to rescue women and children who are forced into exploitation.

The rescued women are being provided with necessary support and counseling. The police are also working to identify and apprehend other individuals who may be involved in the racket.

The operation highlights the importance of community involvement in reporting suspicious activities and the need for continued efforts to combat human trafficking and exploitation.

The Pune Crime Branch has urged citizens to come forward and report any information about human trafficking or prostitution to the authorities. The city has seen a number of cases of human trafficking and prostitution in recent years, and the police are working to address the issue.

The rescue of the nine women is a positive step in the efforts to combat exploitation and human trafficking in Pune. The police will continue to investigate and work to bring those involved in the racket to justice.

In conclusion, the operation by the Pune Crime Branch is a significant step in the efforts to combat human trafficking and prostitution in the city. The rescue of the nine women and the arrest of the two individuals involved in the racket highlights the importance of continued efforts to address the issue and provide support to those who are exploited.