Assam: Missing minor rescued from Cachar hotel, probe initiated into suspected prostitution racket

Tension prevailed in the Udharbond area of Cachar district of Assam, late Tuesday, June 16 night following the rescue of a minor girl from a local hotel, which led to allegations of a commercial sexual exploitation racket operating on the premises.

According to local sources, the teenage girl, who had been reported missing for nearly three months, was located and rescued from the Parijat Hotel in Lathigram. As news of the rescue spread, a large crowd of local residents gathered outside the establishment to protest.

During the demonstration, the aggrieved gathering detained a local medical practitioner, identified as Dr. J.P. Das, who is allegedly linked to the illegal operations. The individual was subsequently handed over to the police.

Upon receiving information about the law and order situation, the Additional Superintendent of Police of Cachar, accompanied by a heavy police contingent, arrived at the scene to disperse the crowd and restore order.

The rescued minor has been taken into administrative custody to undergo requisite legal and medical procedures. Concurrently, the Cachar Police have initiated a formal investigation to ascertain the facts and identify all individuals involved in the suspected racket.

Local residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the administration, alleging that unlawful activities had been operating out of the hotel for a considerable period without regulatory intervention. Community members have formally demanded a comprehensive inquiry and stringent legal action against those responsible.

The district police administration has not yet released an official statement regarding the specific charges or arrests. Administrative sources indicated that a detailed briefing will be provided upon the conclusion of the preliminary investigation.