Mumbai: A major human trafficking and prostitution ring involving five Bangladeshi nationals was dismantled following a sting operation led by social activist Dr. Binu Varghese. The operation rescued two victims—a 17-year-old minor and a 20-year-old woman—both from Bangladesh. Shockingly, during the FIR filing, authorities discovered that the younger victim was only 12 years old born in 2013.
Key Findings:
– Hormonal Injections Used: The traffickers allegedly administered ₹70,000 worth of hormonal injections to make the victims appear older.
– Repeat Offenders Arrested: Among the five arrested, one had served 8 years in Thane Jail for a POCSO case, while another had a 4-year narcotics sentence.
– iPhone 15 Pro Evidence: The 12-year-old victim’s phone contained contact details of over 100 customers, who may now face charges.
– Fake IDs Uncovered: While the main accused, Khalid, held a genuine Indian passport, the others—including the rescued girls—were using forged Aadhaar cards.
Legal Action:
The case has been filed under multiple laws, including:
– Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
– POCSO Act (for child sexual abuse)
– Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (PITA)
– Juvenile Justice Act
Larger Network Suspected:
Authorities suspect this racket is part of a wider cross-border trafficking operation ,with more Bangladeshi girls potentially trapped. Calls for stricter border controls and harsher penalties for traffickers have intensified following the revelations.
Next Steps: Police are expanding the probe to track down additional customers and traffickers linked to the network. The case has highlighted the urgent need for stronger measures to combat human trafficking and child exploitation
#HumanTrafficking #ChildRights #MumbaiPolice #POCSO #BangladeshTrafficking
