New Delhi: The Ambedkar Nagar police station team of Delhi Police’s South District has busted an alleged interstate human trafficking racket and arrested six accused. Three minors were also detained during the operation, while a total of 10 victims were rescued. According to police, the gang was active across Delhi, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh and allegedly used social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to target girls from economically vulnerable families with promises of jobs, attractive salaries and better career opportunities.
The investigation began after a 15-year-old girl went missing from the Dakshin Puri area on May 9. Following a complaint from her family, a first information report was registered at Ambedkar Nagar police station. Police began examining the girl’s social media contacts, possible destinations and movements. During the investigation, officers allegedly uncovered a network involved in transporting girls from Delhi to other states and placing them at spa centres under the pretext of employment.
Girls Allegedly Targeted Through Social Media
According to investigators, the network included recruiters, coordinators, transporters and spa operators. The accused allegedly approached young women through social media and promised them well-paying jobs and a better future. Girls from financially disadvantaged backgrounds were reportedly targeted.
Investigators identified Vinay alias Mahadev as an alleged coordinator operating in Delhi. He reportedly handled transportation, accommodation and other logistical arrangements for the girls. In Mundra, Kutch district, Gujarat, Damani Sushil Harish was allegedly operating a spa connected to the network. Police are examining the communication between the accused, financial transactions and the movement of victims between different locations.
Missing Girl Rescued From Mundra
As part of the search for the missing 15-year-old, a police team travelled nearly 1,500 kilometres to Mundra in Gujarat’s Kutch district. Investigators reportedly traced the girl to a spa operating from the TGR Hotel, where she was rescued.
Spa operator Damani Sushil Harish and another accused, identified as Lakshya, were arrested during the operation. Following the rescue, investigators began examining digital evidence and questioning the accused to identify other members of the alleged network. Police believe the recovery of the girl provided important leads into the group’s operating structure.
Seven Girls Rescued From Spa Centre in Ballia
The investigation subsequently led the police team to Ballia in Uttar Pradesh. Seven girls were rescued from the Melody Spa Centre during a coordinated operation. Monu Sharma and Sanjeev Maurya alias Sonu were arrested in connection with the case.
Investigators are examining how the girls were brought to the centre, who contacted them initially and what promises were made to them in the name of employment. Their statements are also being recorded as police attempt to establish the complete chain of recruitment and transportation.
The investigation then returned to Delhi, where police conducted an operation in the Ganesh Nagar area and rescued two minor girls. Khushi alias Pooja was arrested in connection with the recovery. Police are now recording statements of the rescued victims and contacting their families as part of the process of ensuring their safe return.
Investigation Into Wider Network Underway
According to police, the alleged modus operandi involved approaching potential victims through social media, gaining their trust by promising employment and then arranging transportation and accommodation before moving them to spa centres in different states.
Investigators are now trying to determine how many girls may have been targeted by the network and how many other people were involved. Police are examining the mobile phones, social media accounts, contact lists and financial transactions of the arrested accused to identify additional links and possible locations.
The rescue of 10 victims, including minors, has highlighted the alleged interstate nature of the network. Police are also examining whether similar recruitment methods were used to move other victims between Delhi, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.
Further investigation will focus on identifying additional accused, tracing financial transactions and establishing the roles of recruiters, coordinators, transporters and spa operators. Police are also expected to verify the statements of the rescued victims and examine digital evidence to determine the full extent of the alleged trafficking network.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
