Police operation reveals a suspected prostitution hub

On 1 October, officers from Patel Nagar police station acted on a tip that a rented flat in Neelkanth Enclave, Harbhajwala, was being used for illicit activities. A specially formed team entered the premises and found three adult women, a minor girl and three men.

How the alleged racket was organized

According to investigators, the property was leased by Manish Kumar Lakheda, who allegedly coordinated the operation. Women were reportedly sourced from Delhi and nearby districts, with clients contacted via telephone and WhatsApp. Photographs of the women were allegedly circulated to prospective buyers, who then arranged meetings either at the rented flat or at locations of their choosing.

Minor rescued after being misled

Police say the girl was brought to Dehradun by an associate identified as Abhishek, who claimed the trip was for a visit to Mussoorie. Once inside the house, she was pressured to take part in illegal activities and, when she refused, was locked in a room. The raid freed her, and she has since been placed under protective custody.

Charges filed in court

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 arrested 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, police also seized objectionable material, certain medicines, and ₹18,000 in cash, believed to be linked to the alleged operation.

Investigation continues

Authorities are now probing the larger network, the exact role of each accused, and the circumstances that brought the minor to the location. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.