KATHMANDU: Men and women in the entertainment sector are being forced to endure sexual exploitation, forced labour, and violence, according to a police investigation.

The Human Trafficking and Investigation Bureau of the Nepal Police has arrested 19 people this fiscal year for involvement in prostitution.

Eight men and eleven women were arrested from dance bars, restaurants, and guest houses in various parts of Kathmandu, including Ratopool, Gongabu, Thamel, Gaushala, Lalitpur, Chabahil, Jadibuti, Shivachowk, Jorpati, Machhapokhari, Mitrapark, and Narayantar, stated Deputy Superintendent of Police Birendra Godar.

These details were shared in a program organized by the Bureau in coordination with Anahat Nepal, an organization dedicated to women's empowerment and violence reduction.

According to Bureau statistics, 59 people—15 men and 44 women—were found to be victims of domestic trafficking and prostitution. In the last three years, a total of 521 people have been arrested for human trafficking.

Deputy Superintendent Birendra Godar reported that investigations revealed girls are mainly trafficked from rural to urban areas with false promises of employment, only to be forced into the sex trade and subjected to various forms of exploitation.

Human trafficking is one of the three largest organized crimes globally. Program Manager of Anahat Nepal, Sanjay Dhakal, noted that girls are often lured to commercial centers with various temptations and then coerced into prostitution.

Most victims of domestic trafficking are girls aged 13-17.