GOALPARA: In a major crackdown, Goalpara police late last night busted an alleged prostitution racket operating from a local lodge, detaining several young men and women. The operation at Pancharatna Lodge, situated in the heart of the town, followed a slew of public complaints about the illicit sex trade flourishing in the area’s hotels. Officials said the raid was a direct response to these reports, which had been mounting over recent weeks.
According to police sources, the lodge, owned by one Majedul Islam, had been under surveillance for some time. Investigators believe it served as a hub for commercial sex activities, a claim echoed by local residents who described the place as a nightly rendezvous point for groups of young men and women. The successful raid has now brought these activities to a screeching halt, at least temporarily.
The crackdown, however, is far from over. Police have hinted that Pancharatna Lodge is just one of many establishments under the scanner. Several other hotels in Goalpara’s central zone are reportedly also involved in similar illegal activities. The police action comes amidst a backdrop of increasing public discontent, with locals alleging that some hotel operators run these prostitution rings with impunity, possibly with patronage from powerful, unknown sources. While authorities have not confirmed if more arrests are imminent, they have not ruled out the possibility of further raids as part of their broader effort to cleanse the town of such vices. The public awaits the next move from the law enforcement agencies with bated breath.
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