WhatsApp group for clients and payment at counter; more details on Malaparamba prostitution racket

KOZHIKODE: The gang that brought women to a flat on Malaparamba Iyyappadi Road and engaged in immoral activities did all its transactions through a WhatsApp group. The group was formed by including regular clients. Later, those who were familiar with the clients were added to the group. The location was shared with interested parties through WhatsApp. Those who came in this way paid at the counter to have sex with the women.

The gang rented flats near hospitals. The main clients were those who accompanied patients. Women were brought from the border areas of Kerala and other states. Rs. 3,500 was charged from a client. However, only Rs. 1,000 was paid to the women. On average, 25 clients visited the flats a day. According to the police, the lady who ran the process received more than half a lakh rupees daily.

The gang rented a flat on Iyyappadi Road two years ago. The flat was under police surveillance for a month. The police were conducting an inspection following a complaint from the residents. The Nadakkavu police arrested the operators Bindu, a native of Irulam, Wayanad, Abhirami, a native of Kattappana, Idukki, and Upesh, a native of Karuvan, Puttekkad. The police are conducting an inspection to find out if the gang has other centres.