EXCLUSIVE: Ex-ACP’s Startling Revelation – Delhi’s Prostitution Shifts From GB Road To private colonies under the guise of PGs
Says emphatically that it's an open secret
New Delhi: In a startling revelation that has exposed the underbelly of the capital’s flesh trade, a retired senior officer, former Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of Delhi Police, has alleged that prostitution has largely shifted from the infamous GB Road to private colonies in Trans-Yamuna and other parts of Delhi operating under the guise of PG accommodations and high-rise flats.
Speaking in a podcast with Vishal Kalra, the former ACP claimed that the entire police chain is aware of the brothels operating from private colonies but does not take action, alleging that their palms are being greased. He unambiguously named Trans-Yamuna private colonies Laxmi Nagar and Shakarpur and several others, saying he is ready to divulge details.
“The people are scared and they don’t complain. Even if they complain, the matter is hardly attended to,” the retired officer said in the podcast.
He said majority of the prostitution has been shifted from GB Road to private colonies like Laxmi Nagar, Shakarpur and several other parts of Delhi because customers are reluctant to go to GB Road. This trade of immoral trafficking is being conducted freely from high-rise buildings in these private colonies under the guise of PG accommodations.
The revelation is backed by ground data and court observations:
As per Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) estimates, there are approximately 90 brothels and around 5,000 sex workers currently operating in GB Road. NGO workers say this is only 25% of what existed before 2001 when serious action and raids started. Another survey puts it at 70-85 brothels housing 2,000 to 5,000 victims.
Rise Of Spa, Massage Parlour, PG Route:* Delhi High Court in 2022 had directed Delhi Police to prevent prostitution rings from being conducted under the garb of massage parlours after taking note of violations of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. Petitioner alleged refusal of authorities to act was deliberate and revealing of corruption within hierarchy.
Delhi registered a 73.5% jump in human trafficking cases in 2021 as per NCRB, with 93 cases vs 53 in 2020, most victims pushed into forced labour and prostitution. Over 509 victims were trafficked from different parts of the country to Delhi. In 2023, Delhi Police data showed human trafficking cases later dropped to 59, then to 34 in 2024, a 42.37% decline claimed by police.
While Delhi tops metros in crimes against women – 13,366 cases in 2023 and 13,396 cases in 2024 – cases under Immoral Traffic Prevention Act remain low, indicating underground shift. 4bb37f1d
Former officers say the shift is logical: GB Road is under constant watch of NGOs like Shakti Vahini which conducted over 100 search operations with Crime Branch and rescued 68 victims, and DCW scrutiny. Customers now prefer anonymity of a flat in Laxmi Nagar where no ID is checked and the building appears to be a student PG.
Police sources admit that after COVID unlock, trafficking gangs started scouting again and pushing victims into residential areas for domestic work and sexual exploitation.
The former ACP has demanded a special audit and raid by Crime Branch and district police on PGs in East Delhi, South Delhi’s Saket, Mahipalpur and Green Park areas, which earlier reports had flagged for high-profile escort operations.
When contacted, a senior Delhi Police officer said complaints are acted upon whenever received.
