Ahmedabad: A drug seizure in Goa has led investigators to uncover suspected links to a prostitution racket allegedly operated through social media platforms, with connections to Ahmedabad. The link surfaced after forensic examination of a mobile phone seized from Chirag Dudhat alias Monty, one of four persons arrested in Panaji with 4.3 kg of cocaine.

Based on material shared by Goa Police and inputs from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) during a money-laundering probe, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch registered a complaint against Dudhat, a resident of Naroda, and his associate Masum alias Mahi/Masoom Uikey, also from Nava Naroda, for allegedly running a prostitution racket.

Investigators said the accused allegedly used social media platforms including WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to contact clients and arrange women for prostitution. Chats recovered from the phone reportedly contain details of hotel bookings, photographs of women sent to customers, and discussions on rates for sexual services. The accused are suspected of procuring women from different parts of the country, including the northeastern states, and arranging meetings for clients in hotels, mainly in Goa.

Officials said the racket came to light during the investigation of a PMLA case involving Niby Vincent, Reshma Wadekar, Mangesh Wadekar, Chirag Dudhat and Masum, in which the ED recovered digital evidence from Dudhat’s mobile phone indicating involvement in sex-trafficking activities.

The ED also recorded the statement of Anup Nishad, who told investigators that during his visit to Ahmedabad in February 2025, he stayed with Dudhat and Masum and saw them operating the prostitution network using mobile phones, a website and social media applications.

Goa Police later shared the electronic evidence with Ahmedabad authorities, following which the Crime Branch Anti-Human Trafficking Unit began examining financial transactions, call records and digital data linked to the suspects. Dudhat is currently lodged in a Goa jail in connection with the cocaine seizure case, and efforts are underway to bring him and Masum to Ahmedabad on a transfer warrant for further questioning.

Investigators are now trying to identify other intermediaries, clients and possible victims linked to the network. Officials said further action will follow after detailed analysis of electronic evidence and witness statements, as the Crime Branch continues to trace the full extent of the alleged racket. DeshGujarat