Palghar Police Bust Prostitution Racket in Nalasopara, Rescue Three Women

Palghar : In a major crackdown on human trafficking, the Anti-Human Trafficking Cell (AHTC) of the Nalasopara division busted a prostitution racket operating out of a local bar in Nalasopara (West), resulting in the arrest of two women and the rescue of three victims.

Acting on a tip-off received on May 17, 2025, the AHTC launched a covert operation to verify reports of illegal activities being coordinated through mobile phones. The accused have been identified as Madhavi Mahadev Khade (68), a local resident originally from Belgaum, and Suvarna Shankar Pol (40), a resident of Chandan Sar, Virar (East), hailing from Sangli. Both women were allegedly involved in soliciting clients and supplying women for prostitution.

Following proper legal protocol, police officials arranged for a decoy customer and two independent witnesses to assist in the operation. Based on the information provided by the suspects, a raid was carried out around 2:45 p.m. at the Manthan Family Restaurant & Bar located in Nalasopara (West), Vasai Taluka.

The operation proved successful as the accused were caught red-handed while attempting to facilitate sex work with the decoy customer. During the raid, three women were rescued and immediately provided with protection and support services by the authorities.

An FIR has been registered at Nalasopara Police Station under Section 143(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Sections 4 and 5 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. Further investigations are currently underway to determine the full scope of the racket and identify any additional individuals involved.

Authorities reiterated their commitment to combating human trafficking and urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to exploitation or trafficking.