Aizawl, May 7: Mizoram Police, in coordination with the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department, rescued five Mizo women, including two minors, from an alleged human trafficking and sexual exploitation racket operating in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand.
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According to a statement issued by Mizoram Police, the rescue operation was carried out on May 5 with assistance from Rudrapur Police following an investigation launched by the All Women Police Station, Aizawl.
The case came to light after a Mizo woman lodged an FIR on May 1, alleging that she and her friends had been lured to work at Beauty Queen Salon & Spa in Rudrapur with promises of a monthly salary of ₹20,000. They reportedly travelled to Uttarakhand in October 2025 after their travel expenses were arranged by the spa owner.
However, upon reaching the workplace, the women were allegedly forced into sexual exploitation under the guise of “extra services” for customers. The victims claimed they were compelled to entertain multiple customers daily and were allegedly given alcohol and intoxicating substances against their will.
Police said the women further alleged that despite being promised salaries, most of their earnings were withheld on the pretext of deducting food, accommodation and travel expenses, while they were given only around ₹500 per month for personal use.
The victims also alleged that they were prevented from leaving the premises, with the gate reportedly locked to stop them from escaping. They eventually managed to flee on April 4 after breaking the lock using tools and returned to Aizawl on April 7, where they later filed the FIR.
Following the complaint, Mizoram Police registered a case and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by the SDPO of Aizawl South to investigate the matter.
Acting on reports that more Mizo women could still be trapped at the location, a joint team of Mizoram Police and officials from the Women and Child Development Department travelled to Rudrapur on May 4 to conduct the rescue operation.
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During the raid at the spa on May 5, five Mizo women were rescued and six individuals, including the alleged kingpin, spa owner, and accomplices, were arrested in connection with the case.
The rescued women have since been handed over to the Child Welfare Committee in Rudrapur and are currently receiving care and counselling.
Mizoram Police stated that efforts are underway, in coordination with the WCD Department, to safely bring the rescued women back to Mizoram while ensuring strict legal action against all those involved in the alleged trafficking and exploitation racket.
