Undercover Operation Unveils Cross-Border Trafficking: Two Bangladeshi Women Rescued from Pune Sex Racket

In a significant breakthrough against human trafficking, the Pune City Police Crime Branch's Social Security Cell has successfully dismantled a sex racket operating in Wakad, rescuing two Bangladeshi women who were lured to India with false promises of lucrative jobs in beauty salons.

The intricate operation, which involved an undercover agent, exposed a sophisticated network exploiting vulnerable women across borders.

The two victims were reportedly enticed from Bangladesh with the prospect of high-paying positions in Pune's booming beauty industry. However, upon their illegal arrival in India, facilitated through Kolkata, their dreams quickly turned into a nightmarish reality as they were forced into prostitution.

Acting on a tip-off, the police's Social Security Cell, known for its dedicated efforts in combating such crimes, orchestrated a meticulously planned raid.

An undercover police officer posed as a client and made contact with the alleged ringleader, identified as Shabana alias Muskan, a 30-year-old woman. Once the transaction for sex work was confirmed, the team swung into action, raiding the establishment in Wakad where the women were being held captive.

During the raid, the two trafficked Bangladeshi women were safely rescued.

Shabana alias Muskan was immediately apprehended. Further investigation revealed that Muskan played a pivotal role in coercing the victims into sex work. The police have also identified and arrested two other individuals, identified as Avinash Narayan Sawant (47) and Mahendra Sitaram Sawant (56), both residents of Mira Road, Thane.

These individuals are accused of facilitating the illegal entry of the women into India, acting as crucial links in the trafficking chain.

The accused have been booked under various stringent sections of the law, including the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for human trafficking and criminal conspiracy, and provisions of the Foreigners Act.

This comprehensive legal action underscores the gravity of the offenses committed and the multi-faceted nature of cross-border human exploitation.

Following their rescue, the two Bangladeshi women have been safely relocated to a government rehabilitation center, where they will receive necessary support and care.

The Pune City Police continue their intensive investigation to uncover the full extent of this human trafficking network and identify any other individuals involved, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to eradicating such heinous crimes from the city.