World · South & Central Asia · 1 day ago
Police rescue TV actor in alleged trafficking racket in Thane
Police in Thane, in Maharashtra, say they rescued a 35-year-old actor from an alleged human trafficking and prostitution racket.
The actor, who worked in Hindi television serials and web series, was placed in protective custody at a Mumbai shelter.
Police say the racket targeted women working in television, web series and photo shoots.
The case began after police received a tip from an NGO and sent an undercover customer to a hotel on Mira-Bhayander Road on October 8.
Officers raided the hotel and arrested Tabassum, also known as Sonia Umar Qureshi, 39, whom they accuse of forcing women into prostitution.
Police say a male associate was also involved and are searching for him.
Qureshi has been booked under India’s human trafficking law and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.
Police rescued a 35-year-old TV actor from an alleged trafficking and prostitution racket in Thane district, Maharashtra.
A 39-year-old woman, identified as Tabassum alias Sonia Umar Qureshi, was arrested.
Police said the actor worked in Hindi serials and web series and was placed in protective custody in Mumbai.
A search was underway for Qureshi’s male associate, who was also accused of forcing women into prostitution.
Police said women from the entertainment industry, including people working in TV serials, web series and photo shoots, were targeted.
- Who
- A 35-year-old TV actor was rescued. A 39-year-old woman, Tabassum alias Sonia Umar Qureshi, was arrested.
- What
- Police rescued the actor and arrested Qureshi in an alleged human trafficking and prostitution racket.
- When
- Police conducted the raid on October 8. The rescue was reported on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- A hotel on Mira-Bhayander Road in Thane district, Maharashtra. The actor was placed in protective custody at the Rescue Foundation in Mumbai.
- Why
- Police said an NGO tip-off led them to investigate allegations that women from the entertainment industry were forced into prostitution.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Police received a tip-off from an NGO and sent a decoy customer to a hotel on Mira-Bhayander Road.
Police raided the hotel, arrested Qureshi and rescued the actor.
News reports said the actor had been rescued and police were searching for Qureshi’s male associate.
- Actor’s age
- 35
- Arrested woman
- Tabassum alias Sonia Umar Qureshi, 39
- Raid location
- Hotel on Mira-Bhayander Road, Thane
- Raid date
- October 8
- Protective custody
- Rescue Foundation, Mumbai
Sources
Related news
Flash floods in Nepal sweep away homes and bridges, leaving five missing
Pakistan urges Afghanistan’s Taliban government to curb cross-border militant attacks
Two men sentenced to life for 2018 murder in Andhra Pradesh
Pakistani army training plane crash kills both pilots
Four, including a toddler, die as car catches fire near Vijayawada
Explosion Near LoC in Poonch Raises Fears of Casualties
Person jumping onto Bengaluru metro track disrupts service
Two arrested in Adilabad over videos showing improvised knives
Flash flood sweeps away bridge in Nepal’s Gorkha district
Sunil Bharti Mittal to receive France’s highest civilian honour
India condemns Vance’s remarks as US curbs green card filings at IT firms