Mohali: Zirakpur police have intensified their crackdown on alleged human trafficking and prostitution rackets operating from hotels and paying guest (PG) accommodations, rescuing over 100 girls and women and arresting 35 accused in the past five months.Police have registered 16 FIRs as part of the ongoing drive. In the latest operation, three women were rescued during a surprise raid at a hotel and PG accommodation on Patiala Road. Three accused, including the hotel operator, were arrested from the spot. In a separate action, another woman was rescued from a hotel in the Baltana area.Zirakpur ASP Gazalpreet Kaur said police have stepped up surveillance of hotels and PG accommodations and are conducting surprise checks based on specific inputs regarding suspected trafficking and prostitution activities.“On the basis of specific information, we conducted a surprise raid at a hotel and PG accommodation on Patiala Road. Three girls were rescued and three accused, including the hotel operator, were arrested,” she said.The ASP said some of the rescued women appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Their medical examination and drug tests will be conducted, while their statements and other details will be verified during the investigation.“Till now, 16 FIRs have been registered, 35 persons arrested and more than 100 girls and women rescued during the crackdown on such activities in Zirakpur,” Kaur said.She added that police are maintaining close surveillance on hotels and PG accommodations and will continue surprise inspections to identify and dismantle networks involved in trafficking and exploitation.
