Operation uncovers a suspected brothel hub
On 1 October, a team from Patel Nagar police acted on intelligence that a rented flat in Neelkanth Enclave, Harbhajwala, was being exploited for illegal activities. The specially formed squad entered the premises and found three adult women, a minor girl and three men.
Alleged modus operandi
According to investigators, the property was leased by Manish Kumar Lakheda, who allegedly orchestrated the operation. Women were said to be recruited from Delhi and neighboring districts, with clients approached via phone calls and WhatsApp. Photographs of the women were reportedly circulated to prospective buyers, who then arranged meetings either at the rented flat or at locations of their choosing.
Minor rescued after being lured under false pretenses
Police claim the girl was brought to Dehradun by an accomplice identified as Abhishek, who told her the trip was a holiday to Mussoorie. Once inside the house, she was coerced to participate in the illicit enterprise and, when she refused, was locked in a room. The raid freed her, and she has since been placed under protective custody.
Charges filed
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 confiscated objectionable material, certain medicines, and ₹18,000 in cash, believed to be linked to the alleged racket.
Investigation continues
Authorities are now probing the wider network, clarifying each suspect’s exact role, and examining how the minor came to be involved. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
