A massive police crackdown on a luxury resort in Uttarakhand's Ramnagar, the gateway to the world-famous Corbett National Park, has exposed an alleged sex racket, triggering fresh concerns over illegal activities operating under the guise of tourism.
In a joint operation, the Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), Special Operations Group (SOG) and Ramnagar Police raided the resort, arresting 52 people and rescuing 10 women, including a minor. The resort has been sealed, and a detailed investigation is underway.
According to police, the raid was conducted following a tip-off that the resort was being used to run an organised prostitution racket involving women allegedly brought from different states and abroad. Investigators said a liquor party was underway when the team arrived, with women allegedly being made to perform obscene dances while guests showered them with cash. Police also seized objectionable material and other evidence from the premises.
During questioning, the alleged organiser was identified as Umendra Kumar, a businessman from Meerut. Police said he admitted to booking the resort for July 4 and 5 at a cost of around Rs 2.20 lakh to host an entertainment event for people associated with his pesticide manufacturing business. Investigators alleged that around Rs 10,000 had been fixed as payment for each woman.
The probe also revealed an alleged attempt to destroy evidence. According to police, the resort's general manager instructed staff not to record the names of guests or women attending the event in the visitor register. Treating it as a serious attempt to conceal evidence, police sealed the property.
A case has been registered against the accused under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Excise Act and the Juvenile Justice Act.
The operation has raised broader questions about whether similar illegal networks may be functioning at other tourist properties in the region. With Ramnagar, Corbett, Bhimtal, Mukteshwar and other destinations in Nainital district witnessing a surge in tourism, authorities are expected to intensify inspections and verification drives to ensure resorts and homestays are not being used for unlawful activities.
Source: India Today