Pune Police Crack Down on Illegal Immigrants: 8 Bangladeshi Women Arrested in Budhwar Peth for Involvement in Prostituition
In a decisive move against illegal immigration and human trafficking, Pune’s Faraskhana Police have arrested eight women of Bangladeshi origin from Budhwar Peth—the city’s red-light district. Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement officials carried out coordinated raids on multiple brothels in the area, leading to the detention of the women, all of whom were found to be living in India without proper documentation.
Preliminary interrogation has revealed that the women had crossed the India-Bangladesh border unlawfully nearly a year ago. After entering the country, they were allegedly sold to brothel operators by human traffickers and compelled into prostitution. Some of them were in possession of identity documents issued in Bangladesh, further confirming their foreign nationality.
The arrested individuals have been identified as follows:
1. Anjura Begum Kamrul Chowdhury (40 years old)
2. Khadija Begum Mahabur Sheikh (27 years old)
3. Parol Begum Mithu Sheikh (38 years old)
4. Tanjila Begum Alamgir Kazi (40 years old)
5. Rupali Begum Akbar Sheikh (38 years old)
6. Mansura Rafik Hawaldar Akhtar (19 years old)
7. Seema Alamgir Sheikh (45 years old)
8. Rinakhatoon Fozar Ghazi (32 years old)
Senior Inspector Prashant Bhasme of Faraskhana Police confirmed that the women had initially entered the country without any valid travel or immigration documents. After making their way to Pune, they falsely assumed the identity of Indian citizens, claiming to be from West Bengal, before becoming involved in sex work.
The crackdown was part of a broader directive issued by the Police Commissioner’s office, emphasizing stringent action against foreign nationals residing illegally in India, particularly those suspected of criminal or exploitative activities.
The operation was executed jointly by the Faraskhana Police Investigation Unit and the Anti-Terrorism Cell. Authorities have now filed cases under the Foreigners Act and other relevant laws applicable in such cases.
While the women admitted during questioning that they had crossed the border voluntarily, police are also probing the involvement of trafficking networks that may have facilitated their illegal entry and subsequent exploitation.
Officials are now initiating the formal process to deport the eight women back to Bangladesh. Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor vulnerable areas like Budhwar Peth, with further actions expected in the coming weeks as part of ongoing efforts to curb such crimes.
