In a significant operation against human trafficking, the Kolkata Police have successfully dismantled a racket and rescued nine minor girls and two women from a house in the Burtolla area of North Kolkata. The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Detective Department conducted the raid on Wednesday night, acting on a tip-off about a clandestine prostitution business operating within the premises.
During the raid, police arrested six individuals, including a couple, Saraswati Banerjee, 47, and Amit Banerjee, 49, who allegedly ran the brothel from their residence. Additionally, four others, identified as Suman Haldar, 34, Puja Mistry, 28, Dip Chatterjee, 22, and Akash Chowdhury, 25, were apprehended on suspicion of being traffickers. Authorities are currently investigating the extent of their involvement and whether additional individuals are connected to the trafficking network.
According to police sources, the victims were allegedly trafficked to be forced into the sex trade. The rescued individuals have been taken into protective custody, and arrangements are being made for their rehabilitation. The police are working with NGOs to provide trauma counseling and support to the survivors.
The bust highlights the ongoing efforts by the Kolkata Police to combat human trafficking in the city. Kolkata, particularly areas like Sonagachi, has been identified as a high-risk zone for trafficking and exploitation. The city's red-light districts are known to house a significant number of women and girls who are victims of trafficking. Moreover, West Bengal's geographical location, sharing borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, makes it a key transit point for cross-border trafficking.
This recent operation is part of a broader effort by the Kolkata Police to crack down on illegal activities, including prostitution, in spas and massage parlors. Raids on private establishments, including hotels and residences, have become increasingly common as authorities try to combat trafficking networks that operate outside of traditional red-light districts. A 2016 study found that private networks have a higher proportion of minors, making it difficult to track sexual exploitation of children in such places.
The police investigation is ongoing to gather more information about the trafficking network and identify all individuals involved. The arrested individuals will be produced in court, and face charges under India's anti-trafficking and child protection laws. The successful operation underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations.
