Delhi Police on Monday, 31 August dismantled a human trafficking network operating out of Kotha No. 58, GB Road, rescuing two women who had been lured from West Bengal on false promises of employment and subsequently forced into prostitution. Three women — identified as Geeta, Manju, and Paro Khatoon — have been arrested in connection with the cases.

How the Victims Were Trafficked

The first victim, identified as 'R', a 26-year-old married woman and mother of three, went missing from West Bengal on 2 May. According to police, a man identified as Kalu, approximately 30 years old, approached her at a railway station in West Bengal and promised her employment. He brought her to Delhi, confiscated her mobile phone, and sold her to Geeta, a caretaker at the brothel.

Geeta allegedly kept the victim at her residence for nearly a month before transferring her to Kotha No. 58, GB Road, where she was handed over to Reshma, the alleged owner of the establishment, who forced her into prostitution. The money she earned was reportedly retained by Geeta and another caretaker, Manju.

The case came to light on 26 August, when the victim's 60-year-old mother approached the Women Police Post to report her daughter missing. The victim had contacted her mother on 25 August, disclosing her location and seeking rescue.

Second Victim Threatened Through Her Child

The second victim, 'J', aged 28, was trafficked approximately two years ago following a domestic dispute in West Bengal. While travelling toward Sealdah Railway Station with her eight-year-old son, an unidentified woman gained her confidence by offering food and drink to the child, then brought them to her residence under the guise of assistance.

The following day, 'J' and her son were brought to New Delhi Railway Station and taken by autorickshaw to Geeta's residence. She was promised work as a domestic helper but was subsequently forced into prostitution. According to her statement, she was threatened with harm to her son if she refused. Her son was later taken to a hostel by Paro Khatoon, another alleged caretaker, and 'J' was reportedly permitted to see him only once every three to four months. Police have stated that efforts are underway to trace the child.

Arrests, Evidence, and Legal Sections Invoked

Acting on the information, Sub-Inspector Kiran Sethi, In-charge of the Anti-Human Trafficking/Women Police Post, along with Women Constables Komal and Rashmi, conducted the rescue operation at the GB Road premises.

Three accused have been arrested: Geeta, 55, a resident of GB Road originally from West Bengal; Manju, 58, also a GB Road resident from West Bengal; and Paro Khatoon, 29, likewise a GB Road resident originally from West Bengal. Police recovered ₹55,000 in cash, along with tokens, a register, and an electricity bill from the premises.

Cases have been registered under Sections 137(2), 143(2), 144(1), 64(2), 61 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Sections 3, 5 and 6 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITP Act). Both victims were medically examined at Lok Nayak Hospital and provided counselling.

Prior Cases and Wider Network

Investigation has revealed that Reshma, Manju, and Geeta were previously implicated in a human trafficking and exploitation case registered at PS Kamla Market in 2025 — FIR No. 139/25. All three are reportedly out on court bail in that matter, raising questions about bail conditions in repeat trafficking offences.

This is not an isolated incident at GB Road, which has long been flagged by anti-trafficking organisations as a persistent site of exploitation. Police have said further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend remaining members of the network and to establish the full extent of the trafficking operation.

What Happens Next

Authorities are continuing interrogation to identify the man named Kalu and the unidentified woman who lured victim 'J', as well as to ascertain the role of Reshma, the alleged brothel owner who remains at large. The primary immediate priority, according to police, is locating the missing eight-year-old boy. The two rescued women have had their statements recorded and are receiving support services.