Jodhpur Rural Police Bust Mumbai-Based Work-From-Home Gang Targeting Women; Two Arrested, Objectionable Videos of 30 Women Found

Jodhpur: Jodhpur Rural Police have busted a network, allegedly engaged in immoral activities, that was being run from Mumbai across the country in the name of online work from home. Two men were arrested from Mumbai. Police said objectionable videos and chats of 30 women were found on their mobile phones, along with a record of contact with more than 200 women in the name of work from home. The case came to light after a complaint by a woman from Jodhpur.

The action was taken by the Cyber Cell of Jodhpur Rural Police under the direction of Inspector General of Police, Jodhpur Range, Satyendra Singh, and Jodhpur Rural Superintendent of Police Pankaj Yadav. The Cyber Cell kept a continuous watch on the accused and a police team was sent to Mumbai. After about two days of reconnaissance, police arrested the main accused, Faizan Ahmed, son of Azimullah Ahmed, a resident of Shivaji Nagar, Mankhurd, Mumbai. Also arrested was co-accused Aamir Hussain, son of Ahmad Ansari, a resident of Kurmi Tol, Tola Sahebganj, Jharkhand, who is currently living in Mumbai. Police are questioning them about the gang.

According to police, the victim filed a report at the Women's Police Station, Jodhpur Rural, on 31 August. In the report, she said she had seen an advertisement for online work from home. After she clicked on it, a person contacted her and took her ID proof and signatures on the pretext of getting her online work. She was given tasks such as liking, sharing and reviewing reels on social media. The complaint alleges that she was deceived into handing over objectionable photographs and videos, after which the accused began blackmailing her.

Allegation of brutality

The accused also allegedly extorted money from her by threatening to make the videos go viral. The victim has alleged that an accused came to Jodhpur, called her to a hotel and committed brutality against her. The investigation was started under Cyber Cell Inspector Ramesh Kumar Sarvata.

Over 200 women contacted

Police said they found profiles in the name of a company, related to work from home, that contain details of more than 200 women, including their tasks, mobile numbers and email IDs. According to police, the accused were in touch with about 10 women in Rajasthan, more than 50 in Mumbai and more than 200 across the country. A case has also been registered against them at Marine Drive police station in Mumbai.

Accused being questioned

"After the report, a case under POCSO was registered against accused Faizan Ahmed. Faizan and his associate have been caught from Mumbai. Both are being questioned," said Pankaj Yadav, SP, Jodhpur Rural.