CUDDALORE: The police here have arrested a total of 21 persons in connection with the prostitution racket that was busted after the rescue of two schoolgirls from Thittagudi. While investigation is still on to nab a few more, Chidambaram MLA K Balakrishnan has demanded that the government transfer the case to the CB-CID.
According to police, the prostitution racket was thriving in various districts, including Cuddalore, Villupuram and Salem. The racket was busted when police began a search for two school girls, aged 13 and 14, who had gone missing in June. Investigation revealed that the two girls were forced into flesh trade. They were rescued and sent to a government-run home.
On August 5, five persons, including a Christian preacher and three women were arrested by the special police team. So far, 21 persons, including nine women have been arrested. Police also seized a car and three motorbikes used by the accused. A statement from the Cuddalore SP’s office said, “Among the 21 arrested, 16 were pimps, while the remaining five were held for sexually exploiting the girls.”
A police source said that though most of the pimps were involved in other vocations, their primary business was flesh trade.
Meanwhile, MLA Balakrishnan told reporters in Cuddalore that since the prostitution network had spread to other areas, the district police may not be able handle the case. “As such, we demand that the case be transferred to the CB-CID,” he said and demanded compensation for the victims.