Kochi, 19 May (H.S.) : In a major breakthrough against organised human trafficking, Kochi City Police have dismantled an alleged international trafficking and sexual exploitation network that lured women from Kerala to Dubai with promises of lucrative careers in modelling, fashion and beauty industries before trapping and exploiting them abroad.
Three women, identified as key members of the network, have been arrested after two victims who managed to return to Kerala approached police with shocking allegations of confinement, assault, drugging and sexual abuse.
The arrested accused have been identified as Toicy Sindhu, a native of Guruvayur and the alleged kingpin of the Kerala operations; Aleena Abraham, a model from Ponguvila in Thiruvananthapuram; and Manjima from Ponnani. Police said Toicy operated the racket from a flat in Maradu, which investigators suspect served as a local hub for recruitment and coordination activities.
Considering the gravity of the case and its suspected international links, Kochi City Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ashwathy Jiji. Investigators believe the network may have wider connections extending beyond Kerala and India.
Police sources said two other accused, identified as the second and fifth accused in the case, are believed to be operating from Dubai and efforts are underway to bring them back to India.
Toicy was intercepted by immigration authorities at Mumbai International Airport after Kerala Police issued a Look Out Circular (LOC), suspecting that she was attempting to flee the country. Aleena was later arrested from the Maradu flat.
The investigation began after a young model and beautician escaped from Dubai and returned to Kerala after her visa expired. Her complaint led police to another victim with similar allegations.
According to investigators, the accused allegedly used social media campaigns and advertisements offering international modelling opportunities and overseas jobs to attract women. Victims told police that after reaching Dubai, their passports, phones and money were confiscated and they were held inside flats.
Police said the women alleged they were drugged, physically abused and blackmailed using explicit videos. Officials have invoked multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, including charges related to human trafficking, sexual assault and organised exploitation. Investigators said more victims may come forward as the probe progresses.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
