The Anti Extortion Cell of the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has arrested three men who allegedly sent a 24-year-old woman to the Middle East with the promise of a well-paying job, forced her into prostitution instead and held her hostage till her family paid the ransom.
According to Crime Branch officers, the accused have been identified as Mohammed Kamal Sheikh (53), Tinku Raj (36) and Fareed-ul-Haq Shah (55). The woman, a native of Rajasthan, was looking for a job. She was put in touch with Mr. Sheikh, who he runs an employment agency in Mumbai, by an acquaintance.
Fourth accused
“Earlier this year, a fourth accused, based in Bahrain, came to India and interviewed the woman, after which she was promised a job as kitchen staff in his hotel. In July, after her passport and visa were processed, the victim left for Bahrain. Once she reached the hotel, however, the owner took away her passport and forced her into flesh trade,” a Crime Branch officer said.
The officer said the woman managed to inform her family about her plight, and the acquaintance who had put her in touch with Mr Sheikh appealed to him for help. Mr. Sheikh allegedly demanded ₹2 lakh in exchange for releasing her, and the victim’s family managed to raise the amount and paid Mr. Sheikh on October 18. The woman returned home on October 22. Her family approached the Mumbai Police on October 26, and the AEC was instructed to look into the matter.
More victims likely
“We picked up the three accused for inquiries, and after verifying the complainant’s claims, placed them under arrest on Monday. Inquiries have indicated that the trio have sent at least 30 to 35 women to various locations in the Middle East till date. We are finding out whether these women, too, have been similarly exploited,” the officer said.
The accused have been charged with extortion, cheating and human trafficking under the Indian Penal Code and under sections of the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act. A court has remanded them in police custody till November 2, police officers said.
