Pune Police's Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Crime Branch raided two lodges near Navale Bridge and the Katraj-Ambegaon Road, rescuing nine women and arresting two men allegedly involved in operating a prostitution racket.
The action was carried out after police received information that prostitution was being conducted from Sai Kiran Lodge and Galaxy Lodge in the Ambegaon area. To verify the tip-off, the AHTU team sent a decoy customer to the lodges. Once the information was confirmed, simultaneous raids were conducted on Monday.
During the operation, police rescued nine women believed to be victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The arrested accused have been identified as Rakesh Raju Patole (27), an autorickshaw driver from Ganesh Nagar, Dhayari, and Mangesh Vyankat Bansode, the manager of Galaxy Lodge and a native of Dharashiv.
Police have also registered a case against another suspect who is currently absconding. The case has been filed at Ambegaon Police Station
The operation was conducted by the Crime Branch's Anti-Human Trafficking Unit under the guidance of senior police officers. Inspector Ashalata Khapre and her team carried out the raids as part of an ongoing drive against human trafficking and illegal prostitution.
Police said strict action will continue against lodge operators and others found facilitating such illegal activities in the city.
