Mumbai: Tourism spot turns into prostitution den, four girls rescued

The illegal resorts dotting the coastal town of Vasai-Virar have become notorious for running prostitution rackets under the guise of promoting tourism. The latest such incident came to light after the anti-human trafficking cell from Thane Rural raided a resort on Thursday night and rescued four girls, including three minors, and arrested five people.

Vikas Resort, located on the Rajodi beach at Nalasopara, falls under the jurisdiction of Arnala Coastal police. However, the raid was conducted by a special squad led by assistant police inspector Atul Aher of the anti-human trafficking cell. The police officials pretended to be customers and arrested the manager-cum-pimp.

"We have rescued four girls, three of whom are minors, and arrested Sudarshan Kotian, 28, as well as four other employees under IPC sections 366(a) (procuration of minor girl), (b) (importation of minor girl from foreign country), 370 (buying or disposing any person as a slave), 372 (selling minor for purposes of prostitution) and 34 (common intent), and under relevant sections of Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act. We will produce them in the Vasai court and are investigating further," said an Arnala Coastal police official.

"When we questioned the girls, they revealed that the resort owner had blackmailed and forced them to enter the flesh trade," said the official.