Navi Mumbai sex racket busted, 116 rescued

A massive prostitution racket was busted in the Turbhe township of Navi Mumbai late Saturday, an official said on Sunday.

As many as 116 girls were rescued from the spot in a joint operation by Navi Mumbai police and two NGOs. “Of the 116 women rescued from the spot, 26 are minors. However, their exact age will be ascertained only after medical examination,” said Afzal Khan, President of Adarsh Samaj Sevak Sangh, an NGO working for the cause.

Another NGO called Rescue Foundation had also responded to the quick tip-off and helped with the rescue operations.

According to police officials, the flesh trade had been going on in the area for several years. However, the place was cleared out whenever police went to raid the premises.

Khan said that the spot in Turbhe is very remote and surrounded by a hill, making it difficult for the girls to escape quickly from the spot.

 “Hence, they are mostly trapped and if they try to escape, they are caught and brought back into the flesh trade. There are not many residences around and those who stay close to the place are mostly pimps,” said Khan.