KATHMANDU: The authorities in Nepal have busted a major prostitution racket in Rupandehi district’s Butwal town, close to the Indian border.
The Nepal Police arrested at least 22 people, including girls, from different hotels of Butwal Municipality in Rupandehi district, close to the Indian border state of Uttar Pradesh.
They were arrested by the authorities in raid at the three hotels and a restaurant in Butwal after receiving a tip-off, according to the police.
The arrested youths would face a case of public offence, the police said.
Prostitution is considered illegal in Nepal and the Himalayan nation does not have a red light area.
The police said they have intensified raids in the district to control the illegal activity.
Concerned over the deteriorating law and order situation in the country’s Terai plains bordering India, the government has unveiled new security measures for Southern Nepal.
The porous Indo-Nepal border has often facilitated criminal activities, including prostitution and smuggling.
In recent months, the security forces of the two countries have increased vigil to check crimes, including abduction, extortion and other forms of illegal activities in the Terai region.
16 Dec 2007, ,
PTI
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