Mumbai Crime: Prostitution racket busted, 3 arrested; 8 women rescued

Picture used for representational purpose only

The Crime Branch Unit of the Mumbai Police busted a casting couch racket and arrested three persons. The Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) led by API Sachin Waze received information that a person named Prem, a casting director, and a film producer was allegedly pushing aspiring models and actresses into prostitution.

The police found out that the accused used to approach clients through several websites. Acting on the tip-off, a trap was laid and the CIU team deposited Rs 2 lakh as bait in a bank account which was given by the accused.

On January 19, the CIU team along with the Social Services (SS) branch conducted a raid at Ramada Plaza Hotel in Juhu. During the raid, the police arrested Prem along with two women. These women induced 8 more women into the racket.

Cash amounting to Rs 5,59,000, 15 smartphones, and a Duster car were seized. The police also rescued eight models who were being forced into prostitution.

All the accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Immoral Traffic Act (PITA) along with Section 120B, 370, 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). An offence has been registered at Juhu police station.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the rescued women have worked in several advertisements and also acted in various movies, web series, etc.

All the rescued women have complained that the accused used to ask them to compromise to get roles. The rescued women and the accused persons were being produced before the court.