Nagpur: In a significant crackdown on human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, the Crime Branch’s Social Security Branch (SSB) of Nagpur Police raided a premises in Hudkeshwar area and unearthed a prostitution racket being operated for financial gain.

The action was carried out on May 4, 2026, between 5:15 pm and 10:10 pm under the ongoing “Operation Shakti” initiated by the Police Commissionerate to dismantle organized networks of sexual exploitation in the city.

Acting on credible intelligence, the police team conducted a raid at Plot No. 10, Madhav Nagari, Besa-Pipla Road, within the jurisdiction of Hudkeshwar Police Station. During the raid, accused Padmini Gulshan Basu (29) was found allegedly facilitating prostitution by providing premises to customers and coercing a victim woman into the trade.

Police successfully rescued one victim from the spot. During the operation, cash amounting to Rs 2,000, two mobile phones, and other materials collectively valued at approximately Rs 17,040 were seized from the accused.

A case has been registered against the accused under Section 143(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act at Hudkeshwar Police Station. The accused has been handed over to local police for further investigation.

The operation was executed under the guidance of senior police officials, including the Commissioner of Police, Joint Commissioner, Additional Commissioner (Crime), Deputy Commissioner (Detection), and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch). The team was led by Police Inspector Rahul Shire and his staff.