MUMBAI: A month after a case involving the alleged assault of an 18-year-old girl lured by television job promises came to light, the Kurar police in Malad East have arrested the accused. On Sunday, they arrested a 54-year-old woman and her 28-year-old daughter, who allegedly promised the youngster acting roles in TV serials and OTT projects under the guise of Balaji Telefilms. Instead, he allegedly sold her to three men who subjected her to repeated assaults over a four-month period.

The accused, identified as Sunita Rankhambe and her daughter Sonal Waghmare, were nabbed from their residence in Titwala. They were charged with human trafficking and sex trafficking rackets. Their arrests revealed shocking details of the crime, revealing that the victim was held captive, her drinking spiked, the attacks filmed and finally the victim’s escape.

Background of the case and the victim’s statement

The 18-year-old survivor, a resident of Malad East, initially approached the police on October 7. In her statement, she recounted how her mother’s friend, Rankhambe, visited her home on June 2, 2024, with the promise of securing an actor. role in Balaji Telefilms productions. Rankhambe also allegedly assured the family that the victim would receive a salary of ₹20,000 monthly, especially if it was on location for outdoor shoots. With her mother’s consent, Rankhambe took the young woman to Titwala where she introduced her to her daughter Sonal and son-in-law Vikas Waghmare.

Assault and coercion in Titwala and Goa

The next day, the victim was taken to Titwala station where she was introduced to a man named Sameer. They visited a local restaurant, where she was introduced to another man, Amir, who allegedly gave her the drink. The young woman lost consciousness and, upon waking a few hours later, discovered Amir next to her. When she confronted Sameer, he showed her a video of Amir raping her. Attempts to appeal to Rankhambe for help were in vain; She allegedly threatened to release the video online if the victim disclosed the incident.

Later in July, Sameer lured the victim to Goa on the pretext of an audition. During this trip, he drugged and raped her several times. A similar incident occurred in August. Despite attempts to return home, Sameer allegedly refused to let her go. The victim finally managed to escape on October 5 and returned to Malad, where she told her brother, who then accompanied her to the police station.

Investigation and charges

Based on her account, the Kurar police registered an FIR under various sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, including section 143 (2) (human trafficking), 64 (2) (d) (rape) and 3 (5) (common intention ). ). Both Sunita and Sonal were arrested based on the victim’s statements. Amar Jagdale, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kurar Police Station, noted that Rankhambe had been received ₹20,000 from the men, claiming it as the victim’s salary, which she intended to pass on to the victim’s mother.

The search for other suspects continues

The police are currently looking for Sameer, Amir and any other possible people involved in the sex racket. Authorities are also investigating whether other women may have been similarly trafficked and exploited by Rankhambe and her associates.