SHILLONG : In a major crackdown on illegal activities, the Meghalaya Police on Saturday arrested 16 individuals, including four alleged pimps, during coordinated anti-prostitution raids across key areas of Shillong.
According to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, the operation was launched following multiple complaints from citizens and local stakeholders regarding the presence of sex work activities near sensitive locations, including a church and a gurdwara. Authorities also linked the action to concerns over a rising number of HIV cases in the area.
The raids were carried out across several locations, including the stretch from Pegasus Hotel to the Presbyterian English Service Church opposite SBI Main Branch, areas near MBOSE in Lachumiere, and IGP Point.
The operation was led by Additional SP (Operations) Ivan Diengdoh, with support from DySP (WCC) Joyti Wahlang, along with officers from Sadar, Women, and Laitumkhrah police stations. During the raids, police detained 16 individuals suspected of engaging in activities related to prostitution and other immoral practices.
Police officials confirmed that four of the arrested individuals were acting as agents, allegedly facilitating and procuring persons for prostitution, thereby playing a key role in organized illegal activities.
Authorities also seized one Swift Dzire car and two scooters believed to have been used in connection with the offences.
A case has been registered at Sadar Police Station under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act along with Section 110 of the Meghalaya Police Act, and further investigation is currently underway.