Guruvayoor, 10 Dec (H.S.): Guruvayur police have busted a state-wide online sex racket with the arrest of three key operatives, including the alleged kingpin who managed the operation through encrypted WhatsApp groups. The racket, which had been under surveillance for nearly a month, is believed to have been active for close to a year
The prime accused, 24-year-old Ajay Vinod of Nenmini near Guruvayur, is said to be the administrator of multiple WhatsApp and broadcast groups used to coordinate the illegal activities. Police identified him as the central figure who controlled client access, payments, and agent deployment. The other two arrested are 24-year-old M.J. Shojin of Panangad Marottickal near S.N. Puram in Kodungallur, and 41-year-old Ranjith of Ayanikkad in Peringode, Palakkad. Ranjith runs a lodge near the western entrance of Guruvayur Temple, which allegedly served as one of the operational points for the racket. Both Shojin and Ranjith are suspected to have functioned as agents.
According to investigators, Ajay Vinod, along with a woman who acted as co-administrator and is currently absconding, managed at least four WhatsApp and broadcast groups. These groups operated on a trust-based network, with only verified or recommended individuals being allowed entry. Once a customer shared their location, agents would circulate images of women available in nearby areas, enabling swift coordination.
Police revealed that agents were stationed at several locations across Kerala, allowing the racket to respond quickly to client requests. The operation relied heavily on digital payments, and preliminary analysis of Ajay Vinod’s seized mobile phone has yielded details of group members as well as transaction records through Google Pay and other online platforms.
The arrests were carried out by a special team formed under the direction of city police commissioner Nakul Deshmukh. The operation was led by Assistant Police Commissioner C. Premanandakrishnan and Temple Station Inspector G. Ajaykumar.
Efforts are currently underway to trace the absconding woman and identify additional agents and clients linked to the racket. Further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
