Guwahati: Late Monday night, the Jorhat police raided a luxury hotel near National Highway 37 and detained 15 individuals, including seven women. This action was taken as part of an investigation into a suspected prostitution network.
The operation was conducted at Hotel Orchid after the police received information regarding activities linked to an alleged prostitution racket.
Speaking to the media, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Abhishek Kumar Yadav stated that the women detained during the operation are being treated as potential victims pending the completion of the investigation.
Yadav said, “We conducted this operation based on credible information regarding suspected illegal activities at the hotel. Seven women were found there, and for now, we are treating them as victims until the investigation concludes and any evidence against them is found.”
The police are also investigating allegations that a network operating from the hotel was involved in trafficking women to Upper Assam and neighboring districts. Officials stated that these claims are being probed, and conclusions will be drawn only after examining the evidence.
The police reported that several items relevant to the investigation were recovered during the raid.
Yadav mentioned that the eight men detained at the hotel are being questioned in connection with the case and are currently considered ‘persons of interest.’
He said, “Eight men were also detained at the hotel. They are being treated as ‘persons of interest’ for the purpose of the investigation. Their role, if any, will be determined only after detailed interrogation and an examination of the evidence.”
During the operation, the police collected evidence and carried out forensic documentation.
Yadav added, “We are in the process of seizing and examining evidence recovered from the hotel rooms and other parts of the premises. This operation was carried out because we had solid grounds to suspect that illegal activities were taking place there.” Officials stated that further action could be taken as the investigation progresses, and other individuals linked to the case are also being investigated.
