Jagatsinghpur: In a major crackdown on an alleged human trafficking racket, police in Jagatsinghpur rescued over 30 youths and apprehended five accused, including the prime suspect, during a raid on a rented accommodation under Sadar police limits.
The operation was conducted near Hat Bazar after police traced the location using mobile data, acting on a complaint filed two days earlier regarding a missing youth from West Bengal.
The prime accused has been identified as Madan Ghadei of Kunjakothi village under Erasama police limits. Four of his associates were also arrested from different locations. Police seized cosmetic products from the premises.
According to police sources, the accused allegedly lured victims with false promises of securing jobs under the Central government. The rescued youths claimed they were each charged around ₹20,000 on the assurance of employment but were instead brought to Jagatsinghpur and coerced into other activities.
Victims further alleged they were pressured to recruit more youths into the network and forced to sell cosmetic products door-to-door. They also claimed they were kept under strict surveillance, denied communication with their families, and subjected to harassment.
Preliminary investigations indicate that several of the rescued individuals hail from West Bengal and Bihar. Police suspect the involvement of a larger inter-state network targeting unsuspecting job seekers.
Speaking at a press conference, Jagatsinghpur Superintendent of Police Ankit Verma said further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the racket and verify the allegations.
