Nagpur: Acting under the directives of Hon’ble Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal, the Social Security Branch (SSB) of the Crime Branch, Nagpur, conducted a successful raid as part of the ongoing Operation Shakti and busted a sex trafficking racket in Ganeshpeth area.

The operation was carried out on August 1, 2025, between 5:40 PM and 12:30 AM, near Swag Stay Rahul Hotel within the jurisdiction of Ganeshpeth Police Station. During the raid, the police arrested Sumit Eshwar Ghate, a resident of Hingna Road, while two other suspects — identified as Rahul and Sachin — managed to flee and are currently absconding.

The police seized property worth ₹91,000 from the accused, which included ₹21,000 in cash and an iPhone valued at ₹70,000. Additionally, five women victims from other states were rescued. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had lured these women with false promises of quick financial gains before forcing them into prostitution.

Based on a complaint lodged by Police Constable Kunal Masram (Buckle No. 4565), a case has been registered under Sections 143(2)(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3, 4, 5, and 7 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. The accused, rescued victims, and seized materials have been handed over to Ganeshpeth Police Station for further investigation.

The operation was led by PI Rahul Shire with team members API Shivaji Nanaware, HC Ram Nirgudwar, HC Kishor Thakre, NPC Sheshrao Raut, PC Ashwin Mange, PC Kunal Masram, PC Sameer Sheikh, PC Kunal Bodakhe, WHC Arti Chouhan, and Anup Yadav.

Police have launched a manhunt to nab the absconding accused.