Rajasthan Police has exposed a human trafficking and prostitution network operating in the Bhawanimandi area of Jhalawar district. During this operation, six minor girls aged between 12 and 17 years were safely rescued.
According to Superintendent of Police Amit Budania, some mothers of the victim girls and middlemen are involved in this case. After it came to light that families were pushing their own minor daughters into this quagmire, the police took prompt action.
Secret operation and SIT action
Keeping the seriousness of the matter in mind, a special investigation team was formed under the direction of probationary IPS officer Ayush Shrotriya. The team secretly gathered evidence in the settlements, after which 15 teams and more than 100 police personnel simultaneously raided these dens.
Medical examination and forensic tests have confirmed severe exploitation of five girls. Additionally, the presence of sexually transmitted infections has also come to light in two victims. The FSL team has collected crucial digital and physical evidence from the spot.
Legal action and further investigation
Police have registered a case in this regard under various serious sections of the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act and the POCSO Act. All five arrested suspects have been produced in court and taken on a three-day remand.
All the rescued girls have been kept in a girls' shelter home for their safety and better care. The involvement of other people connected to this criminal network is being thoroughly investigated.