Police operation uncovers alleged brothel hub

On 1 October, a team from the Patel Nagar police station acted on intelligence that a leased house in Neelkanth Enclave, Harbhajwala, was being used for illegal sexual commerce. The squad entered the premises and found three adult women, a teenage girl and three men.

Alleged modus operandi of the racket

According to investigators, the property was rented by Manish Kumar Lakheda, who allegedly orchestrated the operation. Women were reportedly recruited from Delhi and neighboring districts, with clients contacted via phone calls and WhatsApp. Photographs of the women were said to be circulated among prospective buyers, who then arranged meetings either at the rented house or at locations of their choosing.

Minor rescued after being lured under false pretenses

Police say the girl was brought to Dehradun by an accomplice identified as Abhishek, who told her the trip was for a vacation in Mussoorie. Once inside the house, she was coerced to partake in the illicit activity and, after refusing, was locked in a room. The raid liberated her, and she was immediately placed under protective custody.

Charges filed under multiple statutes

A case (No. 704/2026) has been registered at Patel Nagar police station. The prosecution has invoked sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (96, 99, 127(2) and 3(5)), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act (14(5)), and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (3, 4, 5 and 11). Legal proceedings against the accused are already underway.

Six individuals taken into custody

The detained persons have been identified as Manish Kumar Lakheda, 42; Abhishek, 35; Bhanu alias Siddhant; Mamta, 28; Neha, 24; and Suman, 24. They hail from various parts of Dehradun and Delhi. During the search, officers also seized objectionable content, certain medicines, and ₹18,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds of the alleged operation.

Investigation continues

Authorities are now probing the wider network, clarifying each suspect’s role, and examining how the minor became involved. Further updates will be provided as the case progresses.