Feb 8 – Third accused in the Vasco human trafficking to foreign country for sexual abuse on pretext of giving job abroad has been arrested from Chennai International Airport. The accused is identified as Akram Shaik from Andhra Pradesh. Crime Branch had arrested two persons 35-year-old Vasco resident Sayyed Shaikh and Margao resident Masthan Khan alias Pathan around 4 months back. Both are presently in judicial custody. The duo acted as overseas recruiting agents and took a woman from Vasco to Muscat on pretext of providing her job as a housemaid. She was given job as house maid in one of the local sheikh’s house where sexual favours were sought from her, informed the victim woman. On escaping from Muscat she complained to the police with the help of ARZ NGO. Based on her complaint the duo was arrested. As per information given by them a red corner notice was issued against the third accused Akram Shaik who is allegedly involved in illicit trade and was operating in Muscat. He was apprehended at Chennai International airport when he flew down to India. As per information given by Akram, the human trafficking racket where Indian woman are lured with jobs abroad is allegedly run by one Humood Sheikh from Muscat who is running a one recruitment agency. Police said they are have contacted MEA and the respective states regarding other women trafficked by the gang.
