Jatani, May 21: In a significant crackdown, Jatani police raided a rented house in the Ramchandrapur market area and rescued five women forced into prostitution. During the operation, the police arrested five individuals, including the alleged kingpin of the racket and four clients.

According to reports, the kingpin had been operating the illegal sex trade from the house for a long period. Women from various parts of Odisha were reportedly coerced into staying there and engaging in commercial sex. Local residents had raised concerns over suspicious activities at the location, but the operators often disguised it as a legitimate business.

Police carried out the raid on Wednesday night at around 8 PM. Several vehicles, mobile phones, cash, and objectionable materials were seized from the premises. Investigations revealed that the clients hailed from Jatani and the Delang area of Puri district.

The rescued women have been placed in a safe home, while the kingpin and the clients are scheduled to be presented before the court today. Authorities are also investigating whether the property owner had knowledge of the illegal activities.

The operation has been lauded as a decisive action against human trafficking and organized sex trade in the region.