Daijiworld Media Network - Ballari
Ballari, Nov 13: Ballari police have busted an alleged sex trafficking racket in which young women, including minors from economically weaker sections, were reportedly lured under the pretext of performing ‘Lakshmi Puja’ and subsequently forced into prostitution.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Superintendent of Police D Suman Pennaker said a woman identified as Govindamma and her associates were allegedly operating the racket from Millerpet in Ballari city to make money by exploiting vulnerable women.
According to the police, the accused allegedly approached unmarried young women with promises of substantial earnings through a special Lakshmi Puja. They reportedly collected photographs of the women, specifying height requirements, and also sought separate photographs of their right hands and legs.
The victims were promised a share of the money generated through the ritual. The alleged godman conducting the puja and agents who brought the women were also promised their respective shares.
Police said the women were allegedly sexually exploited without their knowledge and later blackmailed with threats of circulating obscene photographs and videos on social media. They were subsequently forced into prostitution and allegedly sent to Bengaluru, Anantapur, Vijayapura and other places.
The accused reportedly used code words, referring to the victims as ‘paper’ and the alleged godman as ‘DR’.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the racket was organised, with photographs and videos of victims being examined to identify others involved in the network.
The racket was exposed following a 45-day undercover operation by Akkapade personnel Lalithamma, Shahida, Anita and Rukiya Banu. They reportedly changed their identities, contacted the suspects and posed as women interested in performing Lakshmi Puja to gather evidence.
A case has been registered at APMC police station. Eleven accused have been arrested, while five others, including the alleged prime accused, are absconding. Police have launched a search operation to trace them.