Hyderabad: How women traffickers used Locanto, Skokka websites for sex trade

Hyderabad: Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Cyberabad Police busted a prostitution racket operating from a luxury hotel in Madhapur.

Police rescued nine women, including two foreign nationals, and arrested nine persons involved in the illegal trade.

Rescue operation at Madhapur Hotel

Acting on credible information, the AHTU team raided BSR Super Luxury & Living Hotel in Gayatri Nagar Colony, Parvath Nagar, under Madhapur Police Station limits.

The victims included seven women from five different Indian states, West Bengal (2), Delhi (2), Jharkhand (1), Haryana (1), and Punjab (1) — and two women from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Modus Operandi

According to police, the accused transported women from various parts and posted advertisements on Locanto and Skokka. They contacted customers through phone and WhatsApp, and arranged meetings at hotels and Oyo rooms. They then collected money for the services.

Accused in Custody

The arrested accused have been identified as Hamer Singh alias Amid Singh (organiser), Thammi Srinivas (supervisor), Pokala Venkateshwarlu, Bekmetova Gulshat, Rakhmanova Malika alias Lovina Bora, Lakshman Tumu, Akash Bajaj, Gora Mohammed Wasim, and K Parthiban.

A case has been registered at Madhapur Police Station (Cr.No.1530/2025) under Sections 143, 144 of the BNS, Sections 3, 4 & 5 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, and Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946.

Police Advisory to Public

Cyberabad Police urged women not to fall prey to traffickers luring them with false job offers and promises of easy money.

The public has been advised to verify any job offers and avoid suspicious agents.

Hotel and Oyo room operators have been directed to check ID proofs, verify antecedents of single customers, and maintain strict vigilance on guests from other states.

Landlords are also advised to verify tenant details to prevent illegal activities.

Authorities warned that premises used for unlawful purposes will be seized.

Information about such activities can be shared with the local police through Dial 100 or via WhatsApp at 9490617444.