Kochi , 22 May (H.S.):

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged Dubai sex trafficking case has made another arrest, with investigators tightening their grip on what police describe as a larger organised network involved in recruiting and transporting women from Kerala to Dubai.

The latest accused, identified as Bilal from Mavelikkara, was taken into custody late on Thursday and brought to the Maradu police station for questioning. Investigators suspect that Bilal played a crucial role in the alleged trafficking operation by identifying and canvassing women and facilitating their movement from Kerala to Dubai.

Police believe the trafficking operation functioned through a structured system involving intermediaries who targeted women and allegedly persuaded them to join the network with promises of opportunities and financial benefits.

The arrest comes a day after the prime accused in the case, Stoicy, also known as Sindhu (56), was remanded to judicial custody. Authorities suspect that multiple individuals may have worked together as part of an organised chain engaged in recruiting, transporting and supplying women for exploitation.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said the investigation had uncovered indications of a wider network operating behind the scenes.

“These individuals identified models, motivated them and supplied these women to the network for commissions ranging between ₹50,000 and ₹1 lakh,” the Commissioner said.

Police refrained from revealing the number of women believed to have been involved or the duration for which the network may have been operating.

Officials stated that the investigation is proceeding on the basis of a complaint filed by a victim and emphasised the need to protect her identity and privacy.

“We cannot disclose the number due to confidentiality. Interrogation of the accused is continuing. We request the media and the public not to reveal the identity of the victim or violate her privacy,” the Commissioner said.

Police also confirmed that several individuals have contacted investigators with information linked to the case, but the authenticity and credibility of those inputs are still being verified as the probe continues.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman