A shocking sex trafficking ring was busted by the Bihar Police in the Purnia district on Thursday, January 30. The police raided the Kathiar More area and rescued 11 minor girls who were forced into prostitution.
The Modus Operandi: “Love Jihad” Tactics Used to Lure Victims
The mastermind behind the sex trade, Aftab Khan, used the alias ‘Ankit Tiwari’ to pose as a Hindu man. He would promise marriage to Hindu girls, only to coerce them into the sex trade. Khan’s car even had “Jai Bajrang Bali” written on it to avoid suspicion.
32 Arrested, Including Key Players
The police have arrested 32 people, including Mohammed Shakib, Mausam Khan, Guddu Khan, and Zubeda, who were all involved in the racket. Shakib and Mausam used Hindu aliases ‘Rajiv Shah’ and ‘Rishabh Shah’ to procure and befriend Hindu girls. Zubeda, who went by the name ‘Katrina’, helped run the prostitution ring.
Victims Sold to Other States, Clients Charged ₹10,000 per Night
The gang would charge ₹10,000 per night from clients and also sold victims to other states, earning up to ₹5 lakhs from some brokers. The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Aftab Khan and are working to apprehend him as soon as possible.
Rescued Minors Handed Over to Juvenile Reform Home
The rescued minor girls have been handed over to a juvenile reform home, where they will receive counseling and support. The Bihar Police’s swift action in rescuing the victims and arresting the accused is a step in the right direction towards combating human trafficking and sex trade rackets.