Goa Drug Bust Uncovers Ahmedabad Prostitution Racket Operated via Social Media
In a significant development, a drug seizure case in Goa has exposed suspected links to a prostitution racket allegedly operated through social media platforms in Ahmedabad. The connection emerged following a detailed forensic analysis of a mobile phone seized from one of the accused individuals involved in the narcotics case.
Forensic Analysis Reveals Trafficking Network
Police officials stated that the link to the alleged trafficking network was uncovered after examining the mobile device, which reportedly contained extensive digital evidence. This evidence included chat conversations, photographs, and detailed booking information that pointed directly to an organized prostitution operation connected to Ahmedabad. As a result of these findings, the Ahmedabad crime branch has formally registered a case and launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Origins in North Goa Drug Raid
The investigation traces back to earlier this year when police in North Goa conducted a raid on a location in Panaji. During this operation, authorities seized a substantial quantity of cocaine, totaling 4.325 kilograms. Four individuals were arrested in connection with this drug bust under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The arrested persons have been identified as Nibu Vincent, Reshma Wadekar, Mangesh Wadekar, and Chirag Dudhat.
Mobile Phone Examination Uncovers Alleged Racket
As part of the ongoing probe into the drug case, investigators seized Chirag Dudhat's mobile phone and sent it for forensic examination. The analysis of this device revealed a trove of incriminating data, including chats, photographs, and booking details. Police sources indicated that this evidence suggests Dudhat was allegedly involved in running a prostitution network alongside an associate based in Ahmedabad.
Cross-State Police Collaboration
Upon discovering these links, Goa police promptly shared the critical information with the Ahmedabad crime branch, which subsequently initiated a separate and focused investigation. The accused named in this new case include Chirag Dudhat, also known as Monty, and Masoom Uikey, both residents of Nava Naroda in Ahmedabad. Crime branch officials have revealed that preliminary findings indicate the duo allegedly utilized various social media platforms to conduct their operations.
Social Media Platforms Used for Illicit Activities
Investigators reported that the accused allegedly used popular social media applications such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and even LinkedIn to contact potential clients and arrange women for prostitution services. On the seized mobile device, police found chat discussions concerning hotel bookings, photographs of women, and rate lists for sexual services, providing substantial digital evidence of the alleged racket.
Operational Details of the Alleged Network
According to official statements, the accused allegedly sourced women from different regions across the country and coordinated meetings with clients at various hotels. A witness who stayed with the accused in Ahmedabad for several days provided crucial testimony to investigators, confirming that he had observed them operating the alleged racket through mobile phones and websites.
Current Status and Ongoing Investigations
Police sources confirmed that Chirag Dudhat is currently lodged in a jail in Goa in connection with the cocaine seizure case. Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad crime branch's anti-human trafficking unit has commenced a thorough examination of digital evidence and financial transactions linked to the suspects. Officials emphasized that the probe will focus on identifying other intermediaries, clients, and possible victims connected to the alleged network. Further legal action is anticipated following the completion of electronic data analysis and the recording of witness statements.
