The Kochi city police have constituted a special investigation team to probe an international sex trafficking racket that allegedly lured women abroad under the pretext of job offers. The investigation will be led by Aswathy Jiji, Deputy Commissioner of Police (1), Kochi city.
Arrests Made in the Case
On Tuesday, police arrested Manjima, 24, of Ponnani, for her alleged links to the racket. Earlier, a key accused, Sindhu, 50, was arrested from Mumbai, and Aleena Abraham, 28, of Thiruvananthapuram, was apprehended from Kochi on Monday. Both Manjima and Aleena were produced in court and remanded in judicial custody, while Sindhu is expected to be brought to Kochi by Tuesday night, according to a senior officer.
Police Commissioner's Statement
City police commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar stated on Tuesday that look out circulars were issued, leading to Sindhu's detention and arrest as she attempted to leave the country. The commissioner appealed to anyone who has faced a similar ordeal to contact the DCP directly or the women's cell, assuring that their information would be kept confidential. He added that more complaints are likely to surface.
Regarding reports that one accused was a history-sheeter with connections to a gangster, Kumar said all angles would be investigated. The survivors reportedly received threatening calls, and one of them was threatened at home as well. The involvement of goonda elements in Kochi is also under investigation.
Details of the Racket
Kumar said at least five people were involved in the racket, with the remaining two accused believed to be abroad. As per the initial complaint, Sindhu made contact with the survivors and made offers, but only a detailed investigation will reveal the racket's modus operandi.
According to police sources, two survivors came forward with complaints. One was offered a modelling job abroad, while the other was offered a job at a beauty parlour. The women were taken to the UAE on visiting visas during January and February. They alleged that they were given spiked drinks upon reaching Dubai, rendering them unconscious. One woman was given a can of energy drink, while another was given a juice.
Exploitation and Threats
The racket members allegedly recorded visuals of the women in compromising positions and later used those to exploit them. The women's phones and passports were also seized. The survivors alleged that they were brutally abused and that the flat where they stayed housed other women who were also exploited. The accused managed the racket believing the survivors would not file complaints due to the video footage.
After their visiting visa period expired, the survivors managed to contact relatives and returned to India.
