Volunteers busted sex racket in Manipur

Last Updated on March 29, 2023 by SPN Editor

Volunteers from several civic bodies have successfully busted a sex racket in Manipur, leading to the detention of four women.

The operation took place at Meitei Lamkhai, Langthabal Kunja, near Manipur University, at an old school building that was previously known as NK Academy.

Volunteers from different organizations including Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF), Singjamei to Lilong Apunba Meira Paibi Lup, All Manipur Women Volunteer Organisation, and Manipur Keithel Phambi Apunba Lup collaborated to conduct the raid.

The raid found that the two-story building with many rooms was being used for conducting flesh business. The building belongs to Pukhrimayum Ongbi Ashalata alias Shanti, 55 years old, who became involved in the flesh trade four months ago after her husband died.

After busting the sex racket in Manipur, a media briefing was held at the AMUCO office in Kwakeithel. L Memchoubi, President of Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Manipur, informed the press that a group of women who had been taken into custody were all widows. She added that it was known that numerous young individuals and students had visited the premises as customers.

Memchoubi went on to claim that several well-known personalities in the state were also involved in the sex racket in Manipur and that the women also frequented hotels in Imphal.

The authorities carried out the raid after receiving information that the restaurant was being used as a brothel and that the business was being conducted at night as well. Additionally, she stated that the cost for one room was Rs. 1,000.

The four women detained were Ashalata and three others who were involved in the trade, all aged between 35 and 45. The building was also being used as a restaurant, and during the raid, the volunteers found empty bottles of alcohol and unused condoms on the premises.

The organizations involved have vowed to conduct similar raids in the future. The building and restaurant have been closed and banned from opening, and after receiving proper counseling, the detained women will be released with a warning.