RAIGARH, CHHATTISGARH – In a major crackdown on organized crime and human trafficking, the Raigarh Police have dismantled a cross-state syndicate involved in the trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors. The operation, led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shashi Mohan Singh, resulted in the rescue of a 17-year-old girl and the arrest of five individuals, including a “buyer” from Madhya Pradesh.
The Deceptive Trap and Forced Marriage
The investigation began on April 11, 2026, when a teenage girl approached the police with a harrowing account of her ordeal. According to her statement, the nightmare began on November 26, 2025. Following a domestic dispute with her father, the victim was approached by an acquaintance (a minor referred to as ‘Chameli’) at a local playground.
Under the guise of securing employment for her in the city, Chameli lured the victim to Raigarh. There, she was handed over to a professional trafficking gang consisting of Bindiya Ratre, Abhay Yadav, Chiku Khan, and Puja (alias Bobby).
The gang transported the victim to the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, where they sold her for ₹1.5 lakh ($1,800 approx.) to a man identified as Sunil Dixit. Under duress, the victim was forced into a “marriage” with Dixit at a local temple, after which he repeatedly sexually assaulted her.
The Escape and Further Exploitation
The victim eventually managed to escape Dixit’s custody and boarded a train back to Raigarh. However, fearing her father’s reaction, she did not return home. Instead, she sought help from Bindiya Ratre, one of her original captors. Rather than helping her, Ratre held the girl captive and forced her into commercial sex work, pocketing all the earnings from the clients.
Police Action and Arrests
Upon receiving the complaint, SSP Shashi Mohan Singh directed a specialized team led by Trainee DSP Ajay Nagvanshi to take immediate action.
- The Rescue: Police tracked down the suspects in Raigarh and subsequently sent a team to Chhatarpur, MP, to apprehend the buyer.
- The Charges: The accused face several counts under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act, including:
- Section 137(2): Kidnapping.
- Section 143: Human Trafficking.
- Section 64: Punishment for Rape.
- Section 6 of the POCSO Act: Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault.
The following suspects have been taken into custody:
- Sirin Banu (alias Puja/Bobby/Chachi), 45: A key operative in the Raigarh gang.
- Bindiya Ratre, 23: Accused of managing the victim’s forced prostitution.
- Mohammad Danish (alias Chiku), 20: Gang member involved in logistics.
- Sunil Dixit, 37: The buyer from Chhatarpur, MP, who “purchased” the victim.
- Juvenile Accomplice: A minor girl who acted as the initial lure.
One suspect, Abhay Yadav, remains at large, and police teams are currently conducting raids to secure his arrest.
Official Statement
SSP Shashi Mohan Singh issued a stern warning following the arrests:
“The Raigarh Police are committed to eradicating the scourge of human trafficking and the flesh trade. We had previously issued warnings under the PITA (Prevention of Immoral Traffic Act), and this successful operation proves that we will not hesitate to take the strictest possible legal action. We urge the public to report any suspicious activities to help us protect the vulnerable.”
The victim has been safely rescued and is receiving counseling, while the arrested adults have been sent to judicial remand.