Alleged human trafficking case: main accused brought to Kochi

The Kochi city police, which is probing suspected people-smuggling, on Wednesday began questioning Stoy C. Sindhu, the main accused in the case.

Ms. Sindhu, a native of Kottappada near Perumbavoor, was brought to Maradu police station from Mumbai, where she was arrested when she was allegedly trying to flee the country after being charged in the case.

Earlier in the day, District Superintendent of Police (Kochi City) Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar told the media that investigators expected to find out details about those who ran the alleged trafficker network and their modus operandi from questioning Ms. Sindhu.

He said two more women who are abroad must be arrested in the case. Meanwhile, police sources said they will also investigate whether the survivors were also used as porters for gold smuggling.

Ms. Sindhu is suspected of playing a key role in running a racket that allegedly lured women from Kerala to Dubai with the promise of modeling opportunities and later sexually abused them.

Apart from Ms. Sindhu, Maradu police arrested Aleena Abraham of Ponguvila, Thiruvananthapuram and Manjima of Ponnani.

Police registered the case after two victims complained that they were forcibly locked in apartments in Dubai and subjected to repeated abuse.

Published – 20 May 2026 22:20 IST