Kolkata, 12 June (H.S.): In a major breakthrough in the West Bengal pornography racket case, the prime accused Shweta Khan, also known as Phultushi, was arrested late Wednesday night from the Alipore area of Kolkata. Her arrest follows the detention of her son, Aryan Khan, and the recovery of her minor daughter, Zoya Khan, earlier the same day.

Police tracked Shweta down based on information provided by Aryan during interrogation. Prior to her arrest, Shweta's mother was also taken into custody in connection with the case. The three are accused of illegally confining a woman from North 24 Parganas for six months and brutally assaulting her with an iron rod when she refused to appear in pornographic videos.

As Zoya is a minor, her case will be handled under the Juvenile Justice Act, and she is expected to be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board.

During questioning, Aryan denied the allegations, claiming that he was romantically involved with the victim and intended to marry her.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and has written to West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, demanding immediate action. The commission has also directed the state to ensure free medical care and psychological counselling for the survivor and has sought a detailed action report within three days.

Meanwhile, West Bengal BJP president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar has alleged that Shweta Khan shares close ties with several senior leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). However, there has been no official response from the TMC regarding the accusations so far.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh