The special investigation team (SIT) probing the Sharjah sex racket case has submitted before the Kerala High Court that it had decided to seek assistance of the International Police Cooperation Cell (IPCC), CBI, to probe into the illegal confinement of around 300 Indian girls in the UAE.
IG of Police K Padmakumar submitted that it was not possible for the local police to conduct probe within the sovereign territory of another country though the case has been registered here. The investigation can only be carried out by the International Police Cooperation Cell of the CBI.
In his affidavit, Padmakumar said that an investigation into the complaint has been conducted. Since the petitioner Sheeja Azeez had alleged that many girls were taken to Dubai with the aid of Souda, an accused in the case, both the petitioner and Souda were questioned. No valuable piece of information could be collected from them in regard to either the identities of particular persons forcing the girls into such illegal activities or the victims.
In a separate affidavit, Principal Secretary Sajen Peter stated that the government had received a formal request from the police with regard to handing over the case to International Police Cooperation Cell of the CBI and the request would be considered.