Acting on a tip-off from Mysuru-based NGO Odanadi Seva Samsthe, the Hubballi police raided a lodge in Hosur on Friday, leading to the arrest of five men and the rescue of five women forced into prostitution.

According to Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar, the operation was based on credible intelligence provided by Odanadi’s founder, Stanley, who was also present during the raid at Parijata Residency.

All rescued women hail from West Bengal, and investigations are ongoing into how they were trafficked into Karnataka. Authorities suspect the women were brought in under false pretenses and later coerced into sex work.

During the raid, police discovered a secret hideout accessible through a hidden door in one of the lodge’s toilets, indicating the operation was well-organized and prepared for sudden inspections. Also seized were boxes of condoms labeled as stock distributed by the Tamil Nadu Health Department, raising concerns about how government-issued supplies were diverted for illegal activities.

The arrested have been identified as:

  • Ganesh Honnegowda (36), Hassan

  • Bhaskar Naik (39), Uttara Kannada

  • Mahesh Kuppelur (30), Haveri

  • Ravi S. (26), Mysuru

  • Ravikumar K. (35), Tumakuru

    • Another suspect, Harish, is currently absconding.

    A case has been registered, and a detailed investigation is underway to trace the larger human trafficking network involved.