Nagpur: City police busted a prostitution ring in a flat in the upscale NIT Complex, Nandanvan, on Friday, while unearthing the dark underbelly of crime and poverty, where single mothers and housewives are being dragged into flesh trade with the lure of fast money. Two housewives were rescued and two brother keepers — both single mothers — were arrested after a decoy customer blew the whistle.The raid highlighted the deceptive traps laid to exploit needy women in residential societies, said a cop, who accompanied the social security team in the surprise raid at NIT Complex on Friday afternoon.Those arrested include Shalini alias Varsha Vanjari, 35, and Archana Vaishyampayan, 43, who lived in the flat. Earlier, Archana was arrested on two occasions for her role in flesh trade. A case was registered at Nandanvan police station under the immoral trafficking Act.Preliminary investigation revealed the duo targeted single housewives and financially weak women, luring them with promises of high earnings in short time through client meetings.One of the rescued women had a grown-up daughter and fell to the lure of easy money to meet her household expenses. Police sources said women with mounting debts, family responsibilities, and lack of stable income become soft targets.The NIT Complex provided a false sense of security and anonymity to the accused. “Racketeers exploit the desperation of housewives, particularly struggling single mothers, who ultimately fall victim to exploitation and trauma,” a source in the social security branch said. The raid was led by head constable Prakash Mathankar and senior inspector Darshan Patil.This bust underscores the rising trend of apartment-based flesh trade rackets in Nagpur. Senior police officials directed teams to intensify vigilance in residential societies.
