Argus News - Job Scam Turns Trafficking Trap, Police Rescue Minor in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Nov 13: Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police rescued a minor girl from a city hotel after uncovering a trafficking attempt disguised as a job offer.

The girl, reportedly from Dhenkanal, was allegedly lured to the capital with the promise of a receptionist job but was instead being pushed into a sex racket.

The operation unfolded in Unit-4 area, where police conducted a raid before the minor could be trafficked.

Acting on a tip-off from local residents, the police apprehended the accused, identified as Mahendra Patra from Masjid Colony in Unit-3. He had reportedly brought the girl to Bhubaneswar under false pretences and was negotiating her involvement in illegal activities at the hotel.

Also read: Pitabash Panda Murder Case: Pintu Das Allowed E-Meeting Rights After Wife’s Petition

According to sources, Mahendra had promised the girl employment at a showroom but instead kept her confined in the hotel. The police are now interrogating him and suspect a larger sex trafficking network operating behind the scenes.

The rescued girl has been placed under protection, and her family has been informed. Police officials are also investigating whether other girls have been similarly targeted and trafficked under the guise of job offers.

Commissionerate Police are expected to conduct further raids in Bhubaneswar based on leads obtained during the interrogation. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of minors and the growing misuse of employment scams to lure vulnerable individuals into exploitation.