Mumbai police rescue four struggling actresses from Powai sex racket

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The Mumbai police have busted a prostitution racket and rescued four struggling female actors from a hotel in Powai, according to police officials. The operation, conducted on Friday, led to the arrest of a man identified as Shyam Sunder Arora, who is accused of forcing women into the flesh trade.

According to PTI, the Powai police acted on a specific tip-off, which led them to lay a trap at the hotel. Following careful planning, the police team conducted a raid and apprehended Arora. Officials stated that the rescued women were being coerced into prostitution, with one of the victims having previously worked in Hindi television serials.

As per PTI, a police official said, "Following specific information, the police laid a trap at the hotel and apprehended a man, identified as Shyam Sunder Arora, for pushing women into flesh trade. Four struggling female actors were rescued." The official added that the operation was part of an ongoing effort to dismantle human trafficking networks in the city.

A case has been registered against Arora and his accomplice under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act at the Powai Police Station, PTI reports. The police have also launched an investigation to determine whether the racket extends beyond this incident and if other individuals are involved.

An official involved in the investigation told PTI that the rescued women are receiving counselling and support from the authorities. "We are ensuring that the victims are provided with the necessary care and assistance. Their statements have been recorded, and further action will be taken based on their testimonies," the official said.

The police are also probing whether Arora had any links with organised crime or other trafficking networks. "Our investigation is focusing on identifying other possible members of the racket and understanding how the operation was being conducted," a senior police officer stated.

Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.

(with inputs from PTI)