Pune: Bangladesh Woman Seeking Rescue From Sex Racket Returned to Brothel, Constable Suspended
Budhwar Peth, 12th February 2026: A foreign national from Bangladesh who reportedly approached the Faraskhana Police Station seeking protection from alleged forced prostitution was instead sent back to the very premises she had accused, triggering outrage and departmental action.
According to preliminary information, the woman told police that she was being compelled to engage in sex work in Pune’s Budhwar Peth red-light area and sought immediate assistance. Instead of being placed under protection or produced before appropriate authorities, she was allegedly taken to a nearby police outpost by a woman constable.
It is alleged that after certain discussions, the constable escorted the woman back to the brothel operator she had named in her complaint. The development came to light later, prompting senior officers to initiate an internal probe.
A departmental inquiry reportedly found lapses in the handling of the case and termed it a serious dereliction of duty. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Krushikesh Rawale ordered the suspension of the constable, identified as Manisha Pukale, pending further investigation.
The incident has sparked concern over the response mechanism for trafficking and sexual exploitation victims, particularly foreign nationals, and has raised questions about adherence to standard operating procedures in such sensitive cases. Further investigation is underway.
