Four arrested in Bhubaneswar sex trafficking case; POCSO charges added

In connection with the alleged rape and trafficking of a 17-year-old girl from Jharkhand, the Commissionerate Police on Saturday arrested four individuals, including the alleged mastermind. The arrests were made during an ongoing investigation led by the personnel from Capital police station in Bhubaneswar.

As per reports, among those taken into custody are two brokers and the owner of the house where the minor was reportedly held. The police are continuing their investigation to identify other individuals potentially involved in the case. CCTV footage is being examined to trace customers linked to the alleged sex racket.

POCSO Charges Filed Against House Owner and Broker

The house owner, Bapi alias Sanjeev Das, and broker Abinash Muduli were booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act by the Commissionerate Police. The critically injured victim was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for medical treatment.

Background of the Incident 

The case came to light after the 17-year-old girl arrived at Capital Hospital late on Friday night in a bloodied and semi-conscious state. Medical staff, upon observing injuries indicative of sexual assault, alerted the police. 

The girl, reportedly a native of Jharkhand, was unable to provide coherent responses during initial questioning. A formal case was registered, leading to a raid in the Laxmisagar area on Saturday, during which ten young women were rescued from a residential property. 

The premises were allegedly being used for sex trade activities, with several rooms functioning as operational spaces. Two women were detained for questioning while a male suspect remains absconding. Police suspect that minor girls and young women from other states were trafficked into Odisha's Bhubaneswar and forced into the racket.