CBI busts human trafficking racket

Busting a major human trafficking racket, the CBI on Wednesday arrested eight persons in Mumbai for allegedly forcing minor girls from far off states and neighbouring countries into flesh trade.

The CBI, which cracked down on such a racket for the first time, also rescued 34 girls, including eight minors, who have since been rehabilitated in observation homes.

A CBI spokesperson said surprise raids were conducted at various places in Mumbai during which the racket, involving trafficking of minor girls procured from places like Assam, Kolkata, Uttar Pradesh and Bangladesh, was unearthed.

"Eight persons have been arrested so far and Rs 4.79 lakh has been recovered from them. The 34 rescued girls including eight minors have been rehabilitated in observation homes," he said.

The accused, who indulged in illegal activities in trafficking of minor girls and forced them into prostitution, were produced in the designated court at Mumbai and remanded in CBI custody upto June five.

This is the first case after the Centre gave overriding powers to the CBI under Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act of 1956. Under this law, the CBI can take suo motu action in cases of human trafficking with inter-state or international ramifications.