The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Navi Mumbai Police has busted a prostitution racket operating out of a hotel in APMC Vashi. In a swift operation, three individuals were arrested for their involvement in the illegal activities, reportedly including hotel staff facilitating the immoral trade.
Senior Police Inspector Prithviraj Ghorpade of the AHTU received confidential information on February 20, 2025, regarding illegal activities at Hotel New 7 Star Lodging in APMC, Vashi. Acting on the tip-off, a decoy customer was sent to the hotel to verify the claims. Around 5:29 PM, upon confirmation from the decoy, a police team raided the premises and rescued three women who were being forced into prostitution.
Investigations revealed that the lodge's cook, Kumar Gowda, played a key role in arranging women for customers. He reportedly showed their pictures on his mobile phone, and once a selection was made, he coordinated with his associates, Tarapada Das and an absconding accused identified as Vicky, to bring the women to the lodge. Gowda allegedly charged ₹5,000 per transaction.
Following the raid, the police arrested lodge manager Bunty Saw, cook Kumar Gowda, and Tarapada Das, who supplied women for prostitution. A case has been registered against them under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, and relevant sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita. APMC Police Station is currently handling the investigation, and as of February 20, the three accused are in custody, with the court granting police remand until February 21, 2025.