‘Offer namaz, your face will glow,’ trafficker told victims:Survivor says girls hired as babysitters, then drugged and raped

Two sisters in Bhopal have been accused of running an organised trafficking network that allegedly trapped young women with job offers, drugged them, and forced them into prostitution through blackmail. Police have arrested the two women, Afreen and Amreen, along with one associate, while a search is underway for other accused persons. The case came to light after two victims filed complaints at Bag Sewania police station. Police said they have registered FIRs under sections related to sexual exploitation, trafficking and forced religious conversion. Investigators believe the network operated in Bhopal for several years and later expanded to Ahmedabad. Victims allege they were lured with babysitting and job offers One of the victims, Saloni (name changed), said she came to Bhopal looking for work as she was struggling to support her two children. Initially, she worked at catering events, earning between Rs 250 and Rs 800 per day depending on the assignment. However, the work was irregular. During this time, she was introduced to Afreen at Ashima Mall in Bhopal. Afreen offered her a babysitting job to take care of her young daughter. Due to financial problems, Saloni accepted the offer despite the low salary. She travelled about 12–13 kilometres daily for work. After a few months, Afreen offered her a room in her house to reduce travel. Saloni agreed and moved in, believing it would provide stability. However, she alleged that her situation changed after she began living there. Victim says she was drugged, assaulted and blackmailed Saloni alleged that Afreen and her associates started taking her to parties. At one such gathering, she was given a cold drink that had been mixed with intoxicants. She said she lost consciousness and was sexually assaulted. According to her complaint, the accused recorded videos of the assault and later used them to threaten her. She said she was forced to meet men and engage in prostitution under pressure. She also alleged that the accused used similar methods to trap other girls, including Shridhi (name changed), a young woman from a tribal area. Shridhi was also offered babysitting work and later allegedly forced into the same network. The victims claimed several girls were sent to cities such as Indore, Mumbai and Ahmedabad to meet clients. Many victims have not come forward due to fear, social stigma and marriage. Accused allegedly used emotional pressure and religious influence Victims alleged that the accused also pressured them to follow certain religious practices, claiming it would improve their appearance and future prospects. Police said these allegations are part of the FIR and are under investigation. Investigators are examining whether such practices were used as a method of psychological control over victims. Network allegedly expanded from Bhopal to Ahmedabad According to the complaints, Afreen and Amreen had been involved in supplying girls to clients for several years. They initially operated from residential areas in Bhopal and later expanded to Ahmedabad. Police said the accused allegedly built contacts through spas and personal networks to find both victims and clients. One associate, identified as Chandan Yadav, allegedly played a key role in managing operations. Police suspect the accused shifted part of their network to Ahmedabad about a year ago and continued their activities there. Victims allege initial police response was discouraging Saloni alleged that when she first approached Misrod police station, officers did not register her complaint and warned her of possible legal consequences. She said this discouraged her and she returned home without filing an FIR. Later, after encouragement from acquaintances, she and another victim approached Bag Sewania police station, where their complaints were formally registered. ACP Rajneesh Kashyap said police acted immediately after receiving the written complaint. “The FIR was registered based on the victims’ statements. The accused have been arrested and investigation is ongoing,” he said. He added that no written complaint has been submitted regarding misconduct at the earlier police station, but the matter could be examined if formally reported.
Arrests made, search continues for other accused Police confirmed that Afreen, Amreen and Chandan Yadav have been arrested and taken into custody. Three other accused, identified as Yash, Bilal and Chanu, are currently absconding. A special police team has been sent to Ahmedabad to trace other suspects and gather evidence related to the wider network. Police are also examining digital evidence, financial transactions and social media activity of the accused to understand the scale of the operation. Investigation ongoing, more victims may come forward Police said the investigation is at an early stage and more victims may be identified. Officers are appealing to anyone affected to come forward and record their statements. Authorities said the case highlights how trafficking networks exploit vulnerable women by offering jobs and later using coercion and threats. Police said strict action will be taken against all those found involved in the crime.