Mother-daughter arrested for luring teen with TV work, trafficking and raping her | Mumbai News

MUMBAI: A month after a case emerged of the alleged assault of an 18-year-old woman lured by promises of television work, Kurar police in Malad East have arrested the suspect. On Sunday, they arrested a 54-year-old woman and her 28-year-old daughter, who allegedly promised the young woman acting roles in TV serials and OTT projects under the guise of Balaji Telefilms. Instead, they allegedly sold her to three men who repeatedly assaulted her over a four-month period.

The suspects, identified as Sunita Rankhambe and her daughter Sonal Waghmare, were detained from their residence in Titwala. They have been accused of human trafficking and operating sex trafficking. Their arrests have revealed shocking details of the crime, showing that the victim was held captive, her drinks were spiked, the assaults were filmed and ultimately the victim’s escape.

Background to the case and statement from the victim

The 18-year-old survivor, a resident of Malad East, initially approached police on October 7. In her statement, she told how her mother’s boyfriend Rankhambe visited her home on June 2, 2024, promising to secure an acting operation. role in the productions of Balaji Telefilms. Rankhambe is also said to have assured the family that the victim would receive a salary of €2.50 ₹20,000 a month, especially when she was on location for outdoor shoots. With her mother’s permission, Rankhambe took the young woman to Titwala, where she introduced her to her daughter Sonal and her 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 spiked her drink. The young woman reportedly lost consciousness and when she woke up a few hours later, she discovered Amir next to her. When she confronted Sameer, he showed her a video of Amir raping her. Attempts to ask Rankhambe for help were in vain; she reportedly threatened to release the video online if the victim disclosed the incident.

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

Investigation and indictment

Based on her report, the Kurar police registered an FIR under various sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, including section 143 (2) (trafficking in human beings), 64 (2) (d) (rape) and 3 (5) (general intent) . ). Both Sunita and Sonal were arrested based on the victim’s statements. Amar Jagdale, the senior police inspector of Kurar police station, noted that Rankhambe reportedly received the ₹20,000 from the men, claiming it as the victim’s salary, which she planned to pass on to the victim’s mother.

The search for other suspects continues

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