Siliguri Police bust 'sex rackets,' rescue women

SNS, SILIGURI, 24 DECEMBER  2022: Two days after it busted an online sex racket, the Siliguri Metropolitan Police (SMP.) today rescued four women and arrested four persons, including an e-rickshaw operator and a woman, from the Pradhannagar area for allegedly forcing them into flesh trade. 

The police had busted an online sex racket in the same area on 22 December. Police acted swiftly after a complaint was filed by a victim today, it is learnt. 

Deputy Commissioner of the SMP Abhishek Gupta said police had rescued four women, including the complainant, and arrested four accused persons. 

According to police officers, both the incidents had common links, but t hey refused to divulge details. The Police had on 22 December busted an online sex racket being operated through mobile phones after arresting three persons from the Pradhannagar area. 

According to the Assistant Commissioner of the SNIP, Subhendra Kumar, based on information, a raid was conducted at the area in Pradhannagar. 

"We had received information that a specific phone number was being circulated, and if anyone called on this number, the person would get photos of women to select from. Following the selection, the racket would involve the person into immoral activities. Police conducted a raid at Pradhannagar area and arrested three persons, including a woman," Mr Kumar said. 

A case has been registered under sections of the immoral trafficking (prevention) ACT, 1956, at the Siliguri women police station, it is learnt. 

The accused in the online racket have been identified as Chanda Saha, alias Jaya, Samrat Sarkar alias Bikram, and Mijanur Rahman alias Babu. 

Three mobile phones, one motorcycle and a scooty have been recovered from them. The mobile SIM card which was used in this racket was registered in the name of Chanda Saha. The key players in the racket are Akhilesh Singh of Begusarai and another woman Chandana, police said.