Bengaluru: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) has busted an alleged prostitution racket operating from rented houses in different parts of the city and arrested four persons, including three women. During the operation, officials also rescued three women, including two from other states, who were allegedly being forced into prostitution.
The action was carried out by the Women Protection Wing of the CCB following intelligence inputs regarding illegal activities being conducted from residential premises in multiple locations across Bengaluru.
Raids conducted at three locations
According to the CCB, officials received information on different days last week that prostitution activities were being carried out from rented houses located in T Dasarahalli under the Bagalagunte Police Station limits, Jarganahalli under the Puttenahalli Police Station limits, and Mudalapalya Main Road within the jurisdiction of Chandra Layout Police Station.
Acting on the intelligence, CCB officers conducted coordinated raids at the identified locations on separate days.
During the operations, investigators detained the suspects allegedly involved in organising and facilitating prostitution activities from the rented premises.
The raids were conducted as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to curb human trafficking and the exploitation of women.
Three women rescued
Officials said three women were rescued during the raids. Among them were two women from other states who were allegedly being forced into prostitution.
The rescued women have been shifted to a safe location and are expected to receive appropriate assistance and support through the relevant authorities.
Investigators are also examining the circumstances under which the women were brought to Bengaluru and whether any trafficking network was involved in recruiting or transporting them.
The rescue operation forms a key part of the investigation, with authorities focusing on identifying those responsible for exploiting vulnerable women.
Accused allegedly operated through phone contacts
According to the CCB, preliminary interrogation of the arrested individuals revealed that the accused allegedly contacted prospective clients over the telephone and arranged prostitution services from the rented houses.
Investigators said the suspects would allegedly invite customers to the locations and conduct the illegal activities there with the intention of earning money.
Officials are analysing call records and other evidence recovered during the raids to determine the scale of the operation and identify any additional individuals involved.
The investigation is also expected to examine financial transactions linked to the alleged racket.
Cases registered at three police stations
Based on the findings of the raids, criminal cases have been registered at Bagalagunte, Puttenahalli and Chandra Layout police stations.
The arrested individuals are being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation, and further legal action will be taken based on the evidence collected.
Police officials said the cases are being investigated under relevant provisions of law related to prostitution and exploitation.
One suspect remains absconding
The CCB stated that one woman allegedly involved in operating the prostitution racket is currently absconding.
Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the suspect. Investigators are pursuing multiple leads and conducting searches to locate her.
Officials indicated that more arrests could follow as the investigation progresses and additional information emerges regarding the network’s operations.
Crackdown on organised illegal activities
The latest operation is part of a broader crackdown by Bengaluru law enforcement agencies against organised illegal activities, including human trafficking and prostitution rackets.
Authorities have been conducting regular surveillance and intelligence-based operations to identify locations where such activities are being carried out.
Police have urged the public to share information about suspicious activities and assured that identities of informants would be kept confidential.
Conclusion
The Central Crime Branch’s operation led to the arrest of four individuals and the rescue of three women allegedly forced into prostitution at rented houses in Bengaluru. With cases registered at three police stations and one suspect still on the run, investigators are continuing their efforts to uncover the full extent of the racket and identify all those involved.