Kohima police bust sex trafficking network; 9 arrested

In a major breakthrough against organised crime, the Kohima police Saturday announced the dismantling of a human trafficking and sexual exploitation network, leading to the rescue of a minor girl and the arrest of nine individuals, including the alleged mastermind.
According to Kohima police PRO, the operation was initiated after Kohima women police station registered a suo motu first information report (FIR). The case was launched after a meticulous enquiry into a missing person report, PRO added.
Based on reliable intelligence gathered during the enquiry, PRO said police successfully traced and rescued the minor victim from a hotel within the city on August 30. Authorities confirmed that the victim was immediately provided with necessary medical assistance and counselling.
PRO stated that victim’s recorded statement detailed a harrowing account of being coerced into prostitution and sexually exploited by multiple persons. The disclosure led to the immediate apprehension of one of the primary accused, identified as one Neisedenuo Thuphre (31), a resident of Naga Bazar Colony, Kohima, and originally from Chakhabama village.
During interrogation, Thuphre was reported to have admitted to working both as a prostitute and a pimp. The accused disclosed that she operated under the direction of the main accused identified as one Rakesh Bromo (32), son of Somu Bromo from Hauragarh village, Karbi Anglong, who presently resides at Mission Compound, Kohima. Thuphre had allegedly been instrumental in recruiting the minor victim.
Acting on the information and through extensive surveillance, PRO said a coordinated team from North police station and Women police station, led by the officer-in-charge of Women PS, conducted raids across the city. The operation resulted in the arrest of several more suspects central to the network.
The police confirmed that the arrested accused, comprising both locals and non-locals, were alleged to have acted as organisers, pimps, and agents facilitating the illegal trade.
The alleged mastermind, Rakesh Bromo, upon interrogation, admitted to his role in the racket, PRO said. Bromo reportedly told investigators that he arranged for clients, primarily from Guwahati and Shillong, while Thuphra was responsible for arranging the girls. Bromo also allegedly admitted to personally exploiting the victims.
The investigation so far ascertained that the accused were coordinating a prostitution racket, trafficking and exploiting vulnerable girls from multiple locations in Kohima.
According to PRO, all nine arrested individuals have been forwarded to judicial custody after the completion of their police remand.
Kohima police reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. Police emphasised that this operation underscored its zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women and children and its dedication to dismantling organised trafficking networks. PRO said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network and identify all individuals involved.
The police have also appealed to the public to come forward with any relevant information that could assist in the investigation. Police assured that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, Kohima police PRO, Soriso, confirmed that one juvenile victim had been rescued and forwarded to a juvenile home. He said that further investigation was ongoing to apprehend all remaining accused linked to the case.