Thane Crime Branch busts sex trafficking network in multiple cities, rescues 3 victims

In a major crackdown on human trafficking, the Thane City Crime Branch has arrested a woman constable involved in the illegal trade and rescued three victims from her clutches. The constable, who was active for the past 2-3 years, was responsible for supplying girls for trafficking in cities like Vadodara, Surat, Lonavala, Mumbai, Mira-Bhayandar and Thane. The operation, led by Senior PI Chetna Chaudhary of the AHTC (Anti-Human Trafficking Cell), was triggered by a tip-off about the constable’s plans to deliver victims to clients in the Anand Nagar Signal area, near the Wine and Dine Hotel. The constable had used WhatsApp to send photographs of victims to clients for sexual exploitation.

In a coordinated attempt, the Crime Branch team launched an undercover operation by deploying a decoy client and a witness. During the raid, the team successfully arrested the female agent and rescued three victims from her clutches. The Crime Branch is now investigating the lodging and boarding facilities used for these activities and the number of accomplices involved in the racket. Legal proceedings are underway under various sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita and PITA (Prevention of Immoral Traffic Act) with the rescued victims being sent to a rehabilitation centre for women.

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The operation, which exposed a major sex trafficking network, was conducted under the guidance of senior officials of the Thane City Police Commissionerate. Key contributors to the successful raid were Senior PI Chetna Chaudhary, PSI DV Chavan, ASI Shradha Kadam and other members of the AHTC Thane City team.

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