Jhalawar trafficking probe widens; 3 held in Mumbai

JAIPUR: Jhalawar Police Thursday arrested three more accused from Mumbai in connection with an interstate human trafficking network, taking the total number of arrests to 11. Fifteen girls, including several minors, have been rescued so far in what investigators describe as one of the state’s most significant anti-trafficking operations in recent years.

Jhalawar SP Amit Kumar identified the newly arrested accused as Mohammad Hanif, Anwar Alam and Rajesh Davle, all residents of Mumbai. Kumar said investigators have uncovered financial transactions exceeding Rs 1 crore in bank accounts linked to the accused and have launched a detailed examination of their assets, bank records and financial dealings to determine the scale of the alleged trafficking racket.

Police said the network was busted on June 5 following an operation that uncovered an organised syndicate allegedly operating across Jhalawar, Bundi, Tonk, Gwalior and Mumbai. Investigators alleged that the gang targeted economically vulnerable families, purchased minor girls under false pretences and subsequently forced them into prostitution.

According to police, documents recovered during the investigation revealed an extensive trafficking network in which victims were allegedly trapped through debt and coercive arrangements. Investigators said the system was designed to make it difficult for the girls to leave or return to their families.

During the latest phase of the investigation, police rescued four minor girls , including one aged six, and another girl from Tonk district.

The three accused arrested in Mumbai were produced before a court and remanded to four days of police custody. The eight accused arrested earlier have been sent to judicial custody.

Of the 15 girls rescued so far, police have confirmed that 12 are minors, while two have been identified as adults. The age of one girl is still being verified. Investigators said two of the rescued girls were below six years of age. Nine victims are from Jhalawar district, five from Tonk district and one from Bundi district.

Police said the investigation has now expanded beyond the trafficking allegations to include financial and property-related aspects of the racket. Investigators are identifying properties allegedly acquired using proceeds from the operation and examining the movement of funds through multiple bank accounts.