Sex racket busted, four detained
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 28 2023:
Volunteers of several civil bodies busted a sex work racket and detained four women at Meitei Lamkhai, Langthabal Kunja near Manipur University today.
The raid was carried out at an old school building that used to be NK Academy.
The racket was busted by volunteers of the of 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, Manipur Keithel Phambi Apunba Lup.
During the raid, the two storey building with many rooms were found used for conducting flesh business.
The building belongs to one Pukhrimayum Ongbi Ashalata alias Shanti (55) wife of Late Sanayaima, said L Memchoubi, president of Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Manipur briefing media persons at the office of AMUCO at Kwakeithel.
According to Ashalata, she started the flesh trade after her husband died 4 months ago.
The four women detained include Ashalata and three others involved in the trade, all aged between 35 and 45, Memchoubi said.
The building was also found utilised as a restaurant and during the raid, the volunteers found empty bottles of alcohol and unused condoms in the premises of the building, she said.
Memchoubi said the women detained are all widows and it has been known that many youths and young students have visited the premises as customers.
She also claimed that some well known persons in the State are also involved in the racket and the women also visit hotels in Imphal.
The raid was conducted after information was received that the restaurant was being used as a brothel and business was conducted even at night.
Rs 1,000 was charged for one room, she added.
Stating that the building and restaurant has been closed and banned from opening, Memchoubi said the organisations have received reports that there are many such places in the State and they will conduct similar raids in future.
After giving proper counselling the women will be released with a warning, she added.