Bhutanese Guest House Operators Remanded to Alipurduar Correctional Home Following Raid

In a major crackdown on illegal activities, Jaigaon police in West Bengal’s Alipurduar district conducted a late-night raid on a Bhutanese-run guest house near the Hanuman Mandir on August 5, 2025. The operation led to the rescue of a girl allegedly trafficked for sex, and the arrest of two individuals – a Bhutanese woman and her male accomplice.

The raid was carried out following a tip-off and was led by Jaigaon Superintendent of Police (SP)  Palzor Bhutia, with support from members of the non government organization (NGO) MARK. Investigators said the victim had been staying at the establishment for the past 15 days.

According to police, the building had been rented by the Bhutanese woman, who was working as the manager of the guest house identified as Bhutan Guest House. Both the manager and her associate were arrested for their involvement in sex trafficking and were produced before the Alipurduar court on August 6. They have since been remanded to Alipurduar Correctional Home.

SP Palzor Bhutia confirmed to Business Bhutan that the woman is from Kalikhola in Bhutan and that CID cards belonging to her and her assistant have been seized. “For now, the operator and her assistant have been forwarded to Alipurduar Correctional Home,” he said, adding that the two will be charged under Sections 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956.

Section 3 of the Act stipulates that anyone managing or assisting in the management of a brothel faces rigorous imprisonment of one to three years and a fine of up to INR 2,000 on first conviction, while Section 4 specifies imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to INR 1,000 for living off the earnings of prostitution. Section 5 provides a punishment of three to seven years’ imprisonment (extendable to 14 years if committed against a person’s will) for procuring or inducing a person for prostitution. Section 6 mandates a minimum of seven years’ imprisonment (extending up to life) for detaining a person in premises where prostitution is carried out and Section 7 prescribes up to three months’ imprisonment for engaging in prostitution near public or religious places.

Police said further investigation is underway to trace additional suspects involved in the trafficking network. Authorities stated that the rescued girl would be placed in a safe home. “Our mandate is to eradicate any illegal activities and make this place a safe haven for everyone, especially citizens from the other side of the border,” SP Bhutia said.

The raid is part of an ongoing initiative by Jaigaon authorities to curb drug use and anti-social activities in the border town.

Sangay Rabten  from Thimphu