The Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Coimbatore arrested two men involved in an international prostitution racket. Sikandar Badusha, the prime suspect, and his accomplice Stephen Raj were taken into custody after an extensive investigation into their illicit operations.
Sikandar Badusha, who had been on the run since 2021, faced over 20 criminal charges in police stations across Chennai and Thiruppur. He was the mastermind behind the prostitution ring, which solicited services in at least eight hotels in Coimbatore. The operation involved trafficking women from foreign countries, including Russia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
District North Deputy Commissioner Stalin confirmed that Sikandar had been running the racket via a WhatsApp group called “All India Agent Group.” This platform facilitated the trafficking and exploitation of women across various brothels in Tamil Nadu.
The police successfully tracked Sikandar Badusha to Kolkata, where he had been hiding while continuing to manage his illegal business. A raid on his hideout led to the rescue of 15 women who had been coerced into prostitution. These women were immediately sent to shelters for rehabilitation.
In the operation, the police seized 16 mobile phones, bank account details, and other crucial evidence. The authorities are now investigating whether this case is connected to a larger human trafficking network.
According to police sources, Sikandar Badusha had distributed mobile phones to local agents, who would then negotiate prices with clients. The investigation began when authorities noticed suspicious long-term stays at several hotels, which eventually led them to uncover the full scale of the operation.
The arrests of Sikandar Badusha and Stephen Raj mark a significant step in dismantling this illegal network. Investigations are ongoing to trace additional links and uncover any further trafficking operations.
