Odisha: Another couple held for links with flesh trade

Bhubaneswar: The Special Task Force (STF) of Crime Branch has arrested another couple on the charge of helping Anjali ‘Didi’ in running a sex racket. Earlier, the sleuths had nabbed Anjali ‘Didi’ alias Ruksar Begum and her husband Sk Ibrahim for allegedly running a sex racket involving Bangladeshi women. Based on Anjali Didi’s revelations, the STF on Wednesday arrested Panchanan Padhi and wife Preeti Padhi from Pipili area. As per reports, the couple was acting as middlemen for Anjali Didi and Sk Ibrahim.

A vehicle used by the Pipili couple to transport Bangladeshi women was also seized.

Meanwhile, during a two-day remand with the STF, Anjali Didi and Sk Ibrahim provided startling revelation about their modus operandi. Several middlemen were operating in the State on behalf of Anjali whereas in Bangladesh, her network was being managed by her sister Hapi Akhtar.

As per reports, Hapi used to lure low and middle class women from Bangladesh with jobs and send them into India illegally. With the help of some border security personnel, Hapi was able to send Bangladeshi women into the India without visa and passport.

After reaching Kolkata, the Bangladeshi women used to be sent to different parts of India with the help of agents.

In Bhubaneswar alone, 25 Bangladeshi women were operating the flesh trade. However, after the STF raid, the Bangladeshi women have left for Kolkata, said an official.

Though Anjali was a Bangladeshi national, she was having an Indian Aadhaar card that was provided to her by one Abhi residing on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. Abhi even prepared forged Aadhaar card for the Bangladeshi women as well. A manhunt has been launched to nab him, the official added.