West Bengal Police Arrest Howrah Sex Racket Kingpin and Accomplice in Kolkata

The West Bengal Police have apprehended a woman and her son, believed to be central figures in a film racket in Howrah. The arrests took place in Kolkata, with the son, Ariyan Khan, captured first. A minor accomplice was also detained. Later, Ariyan's mother, Shweta, was found in Alipore. She had frequently changed her phone number to evade capture.

Shweta's arrest was challenging due to her altered appearance. Police had to verify her identity with relatives before proceeding. "We had to take a few snaps of her and send them to her relatives to get confirmation about her identity before arresting her," an officer stated. She allegedly ran a fake event management company as a front for filming soft pornography.

Police Investigation and Arrests

Ariyan was arrested after evading police for five days. He was caught at an intersection on Prince Ghulam Mohammad Shah Road. Previously, police had raided a house on Deshapran Sashmal Road but missed capturing Shweta. Ariyan has been remanded to police custody for nine days by the Howrah district court.

The minor involved with Ariyan was sent to a juvenile justice home under the state's Juvenile Justice Act. Police confirmed the minor's involvement in torturing victims. The case came to light when a 22-year-old woman escaped from confinement at their Domjur flat.

Victim's Ordeal and Legal Actions

The victim, lured by Ariyan under false job promises, suffered severe injuries and is receiving treatment at Sagar Dutta Hospital. She accused Shweta of breaking her limbs and teeth and starving her for refusing demands. "The victim is currently undergoing treatment at the Critical Care Unit at the state-run Sagar Dutta Hospital with serious and multiple injuries," police confirmed.

Ariyan faces charges including attempted murder and causing grievous hurt under non-bailable sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The National Commission for Women (NCW) has demanded an action report from the West Bengal DGP within 48 hours.

Community Response and Official Actions

Locals alleged that the family operated a pornographic film unit from their property. The NCW condemned the acts and urged immediate arrests under relevant laws. They also requested medical care and counselling for the victim.

The victim's mother appealed to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for justice as her daughter's condition worsened. "We thank Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for responding to our appeal," said the victim's brother, who seeks punishment for those responsible.

The police have rescued Shweta's three-year-old daughter from an unidentified person's residence in Kolkata. The NCW has insisted on a detailed report within three days regarding actions taken against the accused.

With inputs from PTI