Ahmedabad duo booked for running online prostitution racket

The Detection of Crime branch (DCB) in Ahmedabad has registered a case against two city residents for allegedly operating an online prostitution racket by procuring women and soliciting clients through social media and websites.

A case was registered after information was shared by the Enforcement Directorate under section of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, based on findings during an ongoing investigation.

According to officials, the probe stems from an earlier case registered by Goa Crime Police Station, Ribander in April 2025 under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, in which several persons were arrested for possession of 4.325 kg of cocaine.

During the investigation under the , authorities allegedly discovered that one of the accused, Chirag Rameshbhai Dudhat alias Monty, along with his associate Masoom Uikey alias Mahi, was involved in procuring women for prostitution and arranging clients through digital platforms.

Investigators analysing the forensic image of Dudhat’s mobile phone reportedly found chat records indicating discussions about arranging women, negotiating rates for sexual services and booking hotel rooms for clients.

The accused allegedly used messaging applications and social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to contact prospective customers and circulate photographs of women. After clients selected individuals, the accused allegedly arranged meetings and hotel accommodation in return for money.

Police said the duo also allegedly used multiple or “switch” accounts on messaging platforms to conceal their identities and evade detection.

The investigation further cited the statement of one Anup Nishad, recorded during the probe, who reportedly claimed that he had stayed with the accused at their residence in Nava Naroda for around 20 days in February 2025. During this period, he allegedly witnessed them operating the prostitution network through mobile phones and escort service websites.

Authorities also said that Chirag Dudhat had previously been booked in 2021 in a case registered at J P Road Police Station under provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, in which a chargesheet had already been filed before a local court.

Based on the evidence, officials said there is prima facie indication that the accused were involved in procuring women for prostitution and soliciting customers for immoral trafficking.

Following the communication from the ED, the DCB, Ahmedabad has registered a case and initiated further investigation into the alleged activities. Police said they are examining digital evidence, financial transactions and online accounts linked to the accused.