Palghar: In a significant operation against human trafficking, the Anti-Human Trafficking Cell (AHTC) of the Nalasopara division successfully apprehended two women involved in running a prostitution racket and rescued three victims.
About The Case
Acting on a tip-off received on May 17, 2025, the AHTC team learned that Madhavi Mahadev Khade (68), a local resident originally from Belgaum, and Suvarna Shankar Pol (40), a resident of Chandan Sar, Virar (East), originally from Sangli, were allegedly soliciting clients for prostitution using their mobile phones and coordinating the supply of women for sex work.
Following legal procedures, the police deployed a decoy customer and arranged for two independent witnesses. Based on information provided by the suspects, the team conducted a raid around 2:45 p.m. at Manthan Family Restaurant & Bar in Nalasopara (West), Vasai Taluka, Palghar District.
During the operation, the two suspects were caught red-handed as they allegedly attempted to facilitate sex work for the decoy client, having negotiated a price and brought the women to the location.
Three women victims were rescued during the raid and have been provided with protection and support.
An FIR has been registered at Nalasopara Police Station under IPC Section 143(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and Sections 4 and 5 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. Further investigations are underway.
