Police rescue two women trafficked for sex work, accomplice held in Arambol

Panaji: A 25-year-old and a 34-year-old woman, both natives of West Bengal were rescued by Goa police after being allegedly pushed into the sex trade. One person was arrested in connection with the case.

SP North Goa, Akshat Kaushal said that Mandrem police, while patrolling near Arambol Junction on Friday night, received information that Sharmin Shaikh, alias Maria, a native of Ahmedabad had procured women from outside Goa for the purpose of prostitution. Shaikh was allegedly supplying women to customers and was conducting these activities near the Arambol parking area.

“Upon receiving this information a raid was conducted with the assistance of ARZ NGO. Two women, native to West Bengal were rescued from Hotel Laxmi House at Arambol and were later lodged in the protective home, Apna Ghar at Merces,” Kaushal said.

Mandrem police registered A FIR under various sections, including sections 4, 5, and 7 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956.

“Sharmin presently residing at Arambol was arrested for procuring and forcing the women into prostitution and earning from prostitution activities through prospective customers,” Kaushal said. “Further investigation of the case is in progress.”