Palghar, Sep 21 – In a major crackdown on immoral activities, police rescued three women and arrested a 39-year-old hotel manager for allegedly running a sex racket in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. The operation was carried out jointly by the Local Crime Branch (LCB) and the Immoral Human Trafficking Prevention Cell (IHTPC).

According to officials, the raid was conducted on September 18 at a hotel situated in the Boisar area of Palghar, following a tip-off about the illegal activities being carried out on the premises. During the operation, police found that women were being forced into prostitution by the accused hotel manager. The three victims were immediately rescued and handed over to a rehabilitation centre for counseling and further assistance.

Police sources revealed that the accused, identified as the hotel manager, had been running this racket for some time by luring customers under the guise of hotel services. Investigators suspect that other individuals may also be involved in the network and further probe is underway to identify and nab them.

“The victims were brought from different parts of the state and pushed into prostitution against their will. We are committed to cracking down on such crimes and ensuring strict action against the perpetrators,” an official said.

The arrested accused has been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA). He has been remanded in police custody for further interrogation.

Authorities added that the rescued women will be provided with legal, medical, and psychological support as part of the rehabilitation process. Police have also intensified surveillance in the region to prevent recurrence of such rackets.

This incident once again highlights the growing menace of human trafficking and the urgent need for community vigilance to protect vulnerable individuals.