Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Feb 9: “Seven more have been arrested in connection to case where minor girls and women were forced into prostitution with false entrapments and by blackmail in SMR Liana Apartments near Nandigudda of Attavar in the city. The total arrests made in the case have risen to 10,” informed police commissioner N Shashi Kumar in a press meet on Wednesday February 9.
He further said, “Based upon the complaint filed by a minor, seven were arrested. Sandeep (33) from Hosabettu works as a building contractor, Cyprian (40), Mohammed Sharif (46) from Udyavar Manjeshwar works in real estate, Rahmath (48) from Talapady, Sana (24) from Kannur works as mehendi artiste, Umar Kunhi (43) from Naringana works in a mutton shop and Mohammed Hanif (46) from Bendorewell sells fish for a living.
“This is an organized prostitution racket. Among the 10 arrested, 7 accused were operating in a gang while three are clients who sexually assaulted the minor. The minor came in contact with one of the accused who was previously arrested. The accused developed contact with the minor by giving her gifts and money taking her into confidence.
“The minor later was sexually assaulted. The accused threatened her of posting photos and videos on social media and blackmailed her saying that the CCTV footage of her in a compromising position will be made viral. The minor tried to confront the accused but in vain. Later, the accused convinced her for involving in prostitution.
“The minor was sexually assaulted six times over the period of three months. Five cases have been filed including four under POCSO.
“The accused women get into contact with minor girls and set them for the clients. During the raid, we have rescued two minors. Based upon the complaint of one of the minors, five cases has been filed. We are in touch with one more minor. Based upon her, separate complaint will be filed.
“We will also probe the case from every angle and find out if the seven prime accused are associated with others. More arrests are likely to happen in this case.
“Among the arrested, there are some who threatened and some who convinced the minor to indulge in prostitution. The racket was running smoothly since two-and-a-half months in the apartment. We have to probe whether there are other locations where the accused were operating. We have the evidence on transactions via bank and Google Pay, and also a client account book was recovered.
“It is surprising to see that none of the people came to know about the prostitution activities taking place in the commercial-cum-residential apartment,” he said.
The police commissioner also appealed to the public to notify police if any kind of suspicious activity is noticed.
DCP law and order Hariram Shankar, DCP crime and traffic Dinesh Kumar and investigation officer Mahesh Prasad was also present.