On Monday, MBT leader Amjedullah Khan filed a complaint with the Dabeerpura police against an online classifieds listing portal, saying it was giving a bad name to a community. But the online classified listing is only one part of the dirty tricks being used by sex racketeers to keep off the police radar and run their sleazy business.
According to police officers, the brokers are now using WhatsApp to reach out to their clients and send pictures of ‘escorts’. “Only people who are regular customers are added to groups. A newcomer is added only if they are introduced by old clients. They are trying to work secretly due to fear of getting caught,” a police officer said.
A few brokers have now created Facebook accounts and approve friend requests once they are sure about them. Earlier, police used to raid premises after sending in a decoy. In most cases after the first visit, the brothel is raided and organisers arrested. Having learnt the police style of operation, brokers are now using WhatsApp or Facebook closed groups limited to a chosen group.
Several sex trade organisers have set up escort services and have even hired people to manage the social media. “There is a sort of competition to woo clients and retain the sex workers. While a few are bringing them from North India other organisers are roping in local women from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The brokers earn up to Rs. Two lakh commission, on each sex worker a month,” a Task Force official explained and added that some organisers are arranging food and transport for the ‘escorts’.
