Thane Police Busts International Flesh Trade Racket, Rescues 15 Thai Women

The Anti-Extortion Cell of Thane Police conducted a raid on a lodge in Ulhasnagar, rescuing 15 women from Thailand and arresting five individuals. The raid was set up after a tip-off about prostitution. Over Rs 5 lakh in cash was also seized as the investigation continues.

The Anti-Extortion Cell of Thane Police dismantled a flesh trade racket on Wednesday, rescuing 15 Thai women from a lodge in the district, an official revealed.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Shekhar Bagde, five people were apprehended during the early morning operation.

Police took action after receiving information about the prostitution activities at a lodge in the Ulhasnagar area, initially sending a decoy customer before raiding the premises.

The lodge managed by Kuldeep alias Pankaj Devraj Singh (37) and four of his employees were arrested under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.

Authorities also confiscated more than Rs 5 lakh in cash, with further investigations underway.

(With inputs from agencies.)