Bhubaneswar, Nov 14: The Commissionerate Police have launched an investigation into a shocking case in which a minor girl was allegedly lured into immoral activities in Bhubaneswar.

The incident took place at Aradhya Residency Guest House in the Unit-3 area under Kharavela Nagar Police Station. A broker has been arrested and remanded to court in connection with the case, and authorities suspect that this could be part of a larger human trafficking and sex racket operating in the city.

Reports reveal that the case came to light on Thursday when staff at the guest house heard the sound of a minor girl crying in Room No. 103. Alarmed, they alerted her relatives, who immediately informed the police. The Kharavela Nagar police quickly arrived at the scene and rescued the girl.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that Mahendra Patra, a broker from the Malisahi area, had enticed the minor girl with the offer of a receptionist job at a women’s hostel in Baramunda. Once she arrived at the guest house, he allegedly attempted to coerce her into an immoral relationship with another individual, who is suspected to be a customer. The girl resisted and began crying, which prompted the guest house staff to investigate further.

The police conducted an examination of the guest house’s register, documents, and CCTV footage, which led to Patra’s arrest. He has been charged with trafficking a minor and involvement in immoral activities. Patra was sent to court, and further investigations are underway, according to a Kharavela Nagar police officer.

It is also noted that the guest house was not registered under the Sarai Act, violating police and administrative regulations. This has led to scrutiny of the guest house owner, who is now being questioned by the authorities. The victim is from Dhenkanal district and was brought to Bhubaneswar under the false pretense of employment, only to be coerced into the sex trade.

The police are continuing their search for other individuals linked to the case.