Navi Mumbai Crime Branch traps accused using decoy customer; most victims aged 16 and 17; Police said the duo avoided lodges and hotels, as the girls were minors, and instead dropped them directly at locations specified by customers
One of the accused, Harish, (squatting) in the custody of the Navi Mumbai AHTU. Pic/By Special Arrangement
The Navi Mumbai Crime Branch’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) busted a human trafficking racket involving minor girls on February 20, 2026, following a tip-off. According to the police, the accused are Raj Singh, alias Raja Barat, the father of two minor girls whom he allegedly forced into prostitution, and his partner Harish Vikas Chhari, who was arrested by the team. Raj Singh, however, is still absconding.
“We received information that a man named Harish was supplying 16 to 17-year-old girls for prostitution in Navi Mumbai,” said Senior Inspector Prithviraj Ghorpade. The accused reportedly charged Rs 1.5 lakh per girl.
Police said the duo avoided lodges and hotels, as the girls were minors, and instead dropped them directly at locations specified by customers. Following instructions from the decoy, Harish was asked to bring the girls to a designated spot in CBD Belapur. As soon as he arrived, the AHTU team, already positioned nearby, apprehended him. The girls, aged 14 and 16 originally from Rajasthan, were rescued safely.
Further investigations are ongoing.
At a glance
Accused
>> Harish Vikas Chhari, 25
>> Police custody till February 23, 2026
>> Raj Singh alias Raja Bharat – Father of victims, currently absconding
Victims
Two minor girls, aged 14 and 16, originally from Rajasthan
Legal action
FIR registered at the CBD police station under: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 143(5) and 3(5)
Immoral traffic
(Prevention) Act, 1956: Sections 4 and 5
POCSO Act: Sections 8 and 12
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