Four Arrested in Bhubaneswar Sex Trafficking Case; Minor Girl Rescued, POCSO Charges Filed

Bhubaneswar, October 19: In a major breakthrough, the Commissionerate Police in Bhubaneswar have arrested four individuals in connection with an alleged sex trafficking racket involving a 17-year-old girl from Jharkhand.

The arrests include two brokers, the house owner, and the suspected mastermind behind the operation.

The case came to light late Friday night when the minor arrived at Capital Hospital in a semi-conscious, bloodied state.

Medical staff alerted authorities after observing injuries consistent with sexual assault. The girl, currently in the ICU, was unable to speak clearly during initial questioning.

Following swift action, police raided a residence in the Laxmisagar area, rescuing ten young women believed to be victims of the illegal trade. The premises reportedly functioned as an operational hub for the trafficking network.

Among those arrested are Bapi alias Sanjeev Das (house owner) and broker Abinash Muduli, both booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. One male suspect remains at large.

Investigators are analysing CCTV footage, digital evidence, and financial records to trace additional suspects and customers linked to the case.

Authorities suspect that minor girls and young women from other states were trafficked into Bhubaneswar and coerced into the trade.

Police have vowed strict action against all those involved, with more arrests expected as the investigation deepens.