Jaipur, Oct 9 (NationPress) The police in Bundi, Rajasthan, have taken a groundbreaking step by executing the first action under Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) - the latest criminal procedure law - by confiscating assets worth Rs 12 crore, which were amassed through illicit prostitution activities, officials reported on Thursday.

The operation was conducted under the leadership of Station House Officer Ramesh Chand Arya, guided by Superintendent of Police Rajendra Kumar Meena and overseen by Additional SP Uma Sharma.

According to the police, the primary suspect, Banwari Shekhar Bairwa (36), hails from a humble background in Jhuwansa. In 2004, he relocated to Kota, where he initially worked as a cook in a local establishment.

“After a brief period in Indore, he returned to Bundi in 2013 and ventured into the roadside dhaba business. However, the temptation of quick cash led Banwari to dive into the dark world of prostitution,” authorities stated.

“What began as a minor operation quickly transformed into a sophisticated criminal organization, enabling him to amass wealth at an alarming rate. Within a few years, he transitioned from living in a slum to owning an opulent multi-story hotel, luxury vehicles, and various properties,” the police elaborated.

Operating under the name Welcome Hotel, Banwari and his spouse Kiran began offering illegal services disguised as a dhaba they rented in Ramganj Balaji in 2015.

The police noted that the couple catered to clients—often intoxicated or seeking illicit entertainment—during nighttime hours, significantly increasing their income.

Additionally, they pointed out that with the earnings from this operation, Banwari constructed a lavish hotel with underground rooms designed to prevent unauthorized access.

“He began trafficking women from neighboring states and even abroad, establishing a fully operational prostitution ring. The illegal profits were utilized to purchase two luxury cars, three motorcycles, a multi-story residence in Ramganj Balaji, a hotel on the National Highway, agricultural and commercial land worth crores, and multiple bank accounts with substantial deposits,” the statement continued.

The investigation was led by SHO Ramesh Chand Arya, who meticulously gathered records and assessed Banwari Shekhar’s movable and immovable assets in collaboration with the Revenue Department, PWD, and Transport Department.

“A formal petition was subsequently filed by the SP's office with the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Bundi, who authorized the seizure of assets valued at Rs 12 crore belonging to Banwari and Kiran,” the police statement highlighted.

Superintendent of Police Rajendra Kumar Meena underscored that this initiative showcases Bundi Police’s dedication to addressing the root causes of organized crime:

“This is not merely about penalizing one individual; it is about delivering a strong message to the entire criminal network. Our aim is to cultivate public confidence while instilling fear among criminals. Such assertive and lawful actions will persist as part of our ongoing crime eradication efforts,” the police statement concluded.