Malkangiri police raided a rented house and busted a sex racket operating near a crowded locality close to a temple and educational institution.
Inspector Dipika Mallik led the operation based on a reliable tip-off. Officers arrested five individuals, including the house owner Dhaneswar Sahu (57), and seized incriminating items such as used and unused condoms, liquor bottles, cash, and mobile phones. The prime accused, Sharmila Chakraborty (34) and Santosh Kumar Swain (37), allegedly ran the racket by bringing women from various parts of Odisha and Bengal.
Police revealed that the couple had prior criminal records. They reportedly used the rented house as a spot house to conduct illegal activities with full knowledge of the property owner. Investigators found that Sharmila and Santosh earned their livelihood through sex trade and targeted young women for exploitation.
Authorities also arrested Rahul Nitam (25) from Sukma and Nipun Dhali (25) from MV-11 area for their involvement. The racket operated in a densely populated zone, influencing local youth and disturbing social harmony.
Police presented all five accused in court. The investigation continues to identify other members of the network and determine the extent of its operations. Officials emphasized the need for community vigilance and cooperation to prevent such crimes.
The sex racket case has sparked public outrage and raised concerns about safety near educational and religious spaces. Law enforcement agencies have vowed to intensify surveillance in vulnerable areas.
ALSO READ: Silicon Techlab Owner Suresh Nayak Arrested in Odisha SI Recruitment Fraud
