Jagatsinghpur: In a major crackdown on an alleged human trafficking racket, Jagatsinghpur police raided a rented accommodation under Sadar police limits and rescued over 30 youths along with six non-Odia young women.

The raid was carried out near Hat Bazar after police traced the location using mobile data, following a complaint filed two days earlier regarding a missing youth from West Bengal.

The prime accused, Madan Ghadei of Kunjakothi village under Erasama police limits, has been arrested. Four of his associates were also apprehended from different locations. Police seized cosmetic products from the premises.

According to police sources, the accused allegedly lured victims with promises of jobs under the Central government. The rescued youths claimed they were each charged around ₹20,000 on the assurance of employment, but were instead brought to Jagatsinghpur and forced into other activities.

Victims alleged they were pressured to recruit more youths into the network and were made to sell cosmetic products door-to-door. They further claimed they were kept under close surveillance, denied contact with their families, and subjected to harassment.

Preliminary investigations indicate the rescued individuals are from West Bengal and Bihar. Police suspect the accused were operating a wider network targeting unsuspecting job seekers from within and outside the state.

Speaking at a press conference, Jagatsinghpur SP Ankit Verma said further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the racket and verify the allegations.