A joint operation by Uttarakhand Police at a luxury resort in Ramnagar, the gateway to Corbett National Park, has led to the arrest of 52 people and the rescue of 10 women, including a minor, in connection with an alleged organised prostitution racket.

The resort has been sealed following the raid, which was carried out by the Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), the Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Ramnagar Police. Authorities said the operation was launched after receiving information that the property was being used for illegal activities under the guise of a private entertainment event.

Raid Conducted Following Intelligence Input

According to the police, the raid was carried out after officials received a tip-off that women from different Indian states and abroad had allegedly been brought to the resort for organised prostitution.

Investigators said a liquor party was in progress when the police team entered the premises. Women were allegedly being made to perform obscene dances while guests threw cash at them.

Police said objectionable material and other evidence were seized from the resort during the operation.

Organiser Identified During Investigation

During questioning, police identified the alleged organiser as Umendra Kumar, a businessman from Meerut.

According to investigators, Kumar told police that he had booked the resort for July 4 and 5 at a cost of around Rs 2.20 lakh to organise an entertainment event for people associated with his pesticide manufacturing business.

Police alleged that payments of around Rs 10,000 had been fixed for each woman participating in the event.

Resort Sealed Over Alleged Attempt To Destroy Evidence

Investigators also alleged that an attempt was made to conceal evidence after the raid.

According to police, the resort’s general manager instructed staff not to enter the names of guests or women attending the event in the visitor register.

Treating the alleged omission as an attempt to destroy evidence, police sealed the resort pending further investigation.

Multiple Charges Registered

A case has been registered against the accused under various 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.

Authorities said further investigation is underway to identify the roles of those arrested and determine whether a larger trafficking network was involved.

The operation has also prompted concerns about the possible misuse of tourist properties in the region. Police are expected to intensify inspections and verification drives at resorts, hotels and homestays in Ramnagar, Corbett, Bhimtal, Mukteshwar and other popular destinations across Nainital district to ensure they are not being used for illegal activities.

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