Navi Mumbai Police Thwart Human Trafficking Racket: Father Accused of Forcing Daughters into Prostitution

The Navi Mumbai Crime Branch’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) made a significant breakthrough in a human trafficking case on February 20, 2026. The operation, which followed a tip-off, resulted in the arrest of Harish Vikas Chhari, a man involved in a racket that forced minor girls into prostitution. The primary accused, Raj Singh, alias Raja Barat, the father of the victims, is still at large.

According to Senior Inspector Prithviraj Ghorpade, the police received information that a man named Harish was supplying girls aged 16 to 17 years for prostitution in Navi Mumbai. The accused reportedly charged Rs 1.5 lakh per girl. The duo, to avoid detection, avoided lodges and hotels and instead dropped the girls directly at locations specified by customers.

To apprehend the suspects, the AHTU team used a decoy customer. Following the decoy's instructions, Harish was asked to bring the girls to a designated spot in CBD Belapur. As soon as he arrived, the AHTU team, already positioned nearby, apprehended him. The two girls, aged 14 and 16, originally from Rajasthan, were rescued safely.

Police investigations revealed that Raj Singh, the father of the victims, had a significant role in forcing his daughters into the flesh trade. The girls were reportedly brought to Navi Mumbai under false pretenses and were then coerced into prostitution. Harish, acting as an intermediary, facilitated the transactions and ensured the girls were delivered to customers.

The rescued girls are currently under the care of the authorities, and efforts are underway to provide them with the necessary support and counseling. The police have also initiated a manhunt for Raj Singh, who is believed to be hiding in the region.

Further investigations are ongoing to identify other potential victims and to dismantle the entire trafficking network. The police have registered an FIR at the CBD police station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. Additionally, charges have been filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

This case highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking, particularly involving minors, in urban areas. The Navi Mumbai Police have been proactive in addressing such crimes and are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has also expressed its support for the police's efforts and has pledged to provide any necessary assistance to the victims. The NMMC is known for its robust infrastructure and governance, making Navi Mumbai one of the most developed cities in the region.

The community has shown a strong response to this incident, with local organizations and residents offering support to the rescued girls and demanding stricter enforcement of anti-trafficking laws. This collaborative effort is crucial in combating the menace of human trafficking and ensuring that such crimes are not repeated.

In light of this case, it is essential for the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The Navi Mumbai Police have set up dedicated helplines and online platforms to facilitate the reporting of such incidents, ensuring that victims receive timely assistance and that perpetrators are brought to justice.