The Commissionerate Police have launched an investigation into a shocking case of a minor girl being lured into immoral activities in the state capital.
The incident unfolded at Aradhya Residency Guest House in the Unit-3 area under Kharavela Nagar police station, where one broker has been arrested and forwarded to court. Authorities suspect this could be part of a larger human trafficking and sex racket operating in the city.
According to reports, the case came to light on Thursday when staff at the guest house heard a minor girl crying in Room No. 103. Concerned, they alerted her relatives, who immediately informed the police. Kharavela Nagar police rushed to the scene and rescued the girl.
Investigations revealed that Mahendra Patra, a broker from the Malisahi area, had lured the minor from a women’s hostel in Baramunda by promising her a receptionist job. Upon arriving at the guest house, he allegedly attempted to force her into an immoral relationship with another individual, suspected to be a customer. The girl resisted and began crying, which drew the attention of the staff.
Police examined the guest house’s register and other documents, along with CCTV footage, leading to Patra’s arrest. He has been charged with minor trafficking and involvement in immoral activities and was remanded to court. Further probe is underway, as stated by the Kharavel Nagar police station officer.
Notably, the guest house was not registered under the Sarai Act, violating police and administrative regulations. This has prompted scrutiny of the hotel owner, who is being questioned. The minor hails from Dhenkanal district and was brought to Bhubaneswar under the pretext of employment before being coerced into the sex trade.
Police are hunting for other individuals linked to the incident. Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said there might be additional connections to the racket, and the investigation is ongoing.
This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of minors in the capital. Police have urged regular inspections of guest houses and hotels, and appealed to citizens to report suspicious activities immediately. More details are expected as the probe continues, according to DCP Meena.
