Eight girls rescued from spas and hotels in Kathmandu, five arrested including suspects from Kailali and Bajhang

Kathmandu: Nepal Police has rescued eight girls from various spas and hotels in the Kathmandu Valley and arrested five individuals on charges of involving girls in sexual activities.

According to information released on Thursday by the Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau, the arrests were made after investigations revealed that minors were being forcibly engaged in prostitution. Bureau spokesperson Superintendent of Police Bishwaraj Khadka said that eight girls were rescued during the operation.

Those arrested include Hemanta Shrestha, 32, of Budhanilkantha Municipality-13, Kathmandu; Geeta Kumari Acharya, 40, of Dudhauli Municipality-12, Sindhuli; Govinda Budhathoki, 45, of Kumakh Rural Municipality-4, Salyan; Haribhakta Giri, 42, of Chhabispathivehra Rural Municipality-1, Bajhang; and Bhim Bahadur Saud, 49, of Gauriganga Municipality-6, Kailali.

Police action followed information indicating that minors were being sexually exploited and forced into prostitution for financial gain at various dance bars, clubs, restaurants, spa centers, and guesthouses across the Kathmandu Valley. Teams deployed by the Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau conducted raids, arrested those involved, and rescued the girls.

Spokesperson Khadka said the rescues were carried out from Golden Spa in Thamel, Fire Lounge and Club in Chabahil, Lucky Spa in Bouddha, Sudurpaschim Khajaghar in Mitranagar, and Sudurpaschim Guesthouse in Khaptad. He added that further investigation is ongoing after police obtained permission from the Kathmandu District Court to extend the suspects’ remand.