Mid-Day

Mumbai, May 11: On Wednesday night, the police rescued four girls from Bawa International Hotel, Vile Parle (E) and arrested seven people who had allegedly bought them from Nallasopara to be sold to an agent for prostitution.

The seven arrested include five men and two women from Mumbai. One of rescued girls, a 13-year-old, is the sister of one of the accused, Namita Pravin (30).

“I didn’t know what was happening. My sister told me she was taking me out for 8 to 10 days. Only after the police officials told me did I come to know what was taking place. I can’t believe my sister did this to me,” said a sobbing Anita (name changed).

The girls rescued include two minors (aged 10 and 13); the other two are 19 years old. The girls have been sent to a rehabilitation centre in Chembur with the help of an NGO.

“We got a tip-off about seven people who were planning to sell these girls. We laid a trap by posing as a customer and asked them to meet us at Bawa International Hotel. While the deal was being made, we arrested them. The investigation is in progress and the accused will be produced in court soon,” said Gautam Karande, senior police inspector, Vile Parle police station.