KATHMANDU, Dec 19: Nepal Police have rescued eight girls from various spas and hotels in Kathmandu. Five individuals have been arrested on charges of forcing minors into sexual activities, according to the Anti Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau (AHTIB).
In a statement made public on Thursday, the AHTIB said the arrests were made after investigations revealed that the suspects had been coercing underage girls into prostitution. During the operation, eight girls were rescued from the concerned establishments, AHTIB spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Bishwa Raj Khadka said.
Two girls rescued from trafficker
Those arrested have been identified as Hemant Shrestha, 32, of Budhanilkantha Municipality–13, Kathmandu; Geeta Kumari Acharya, 40, of Dudhouli Municipality–12, Sindhuli; Gobinda Budhathoki, 45, of Kumakh Rural Municipality–4, Salyan; Haribhakta Giri, 42, of Chhabis Pathibera Rural Municipality–1, Bajhang; and Bhim Bahadur Saud, 49, of Gauriganga Municipality–6, Kailali.
According to police, the operation was launched following information that minors were being exploited and forced into prostitution for financial gain at various dance bars, clubs, eateries, spa centres, guesthouses and dohori centres across the Kathmandu Valley. A police team deployed from the AHTIB conducted raids, arrested the suspects and rescued the girls.
The girls were rescued from Golden Spa in Thamel, Fire Lounge and Club in Chabahil, Lucky Spa in Boudha, Sudurpaschim Khajaghar in Mitranagar, and Khaptad Sudurpaschim Guest House, police said.
Police have obtained permission from the Kathmandu District Court to extend the suspects’ remand, and further investigation is underway.
