Howrah sex racket accused held; mother, kingpin absconding

Kolkata

The West Bengal Police on Wednesday arrested Ariyan Khan, a prime accused in the Howrah sex and pornography racket, from a hideout in the Golf Green area of south Kolkata. One of his accomplices was also taken into custody. Ariyan had been absconding for five days. However, his mother, Shweta Khan alias Fultusi—the alleged kingpin of the racket—remains missing.

Police Commissioner Praveen Tripathi confirmed Ariyan's arrest and said further details will be shared after interrogation. Shweta’s mother has been detained for questioning, and her three-year-old daughter was rescued from an unknown location in Kolkata.

The case came to light after a 22-year-old woman from Panihati escaped from the duo’s Howrah flat, where she was allegedly held and tortured for six months for refusing to act in porn films. She was reportedly lured with a fake job offer at an event firm. The victim is now hospitalized with severe injuries.