'Gang works pan-India, kingpin lives in Lonavala'

LUCKNOW: The Tripura woman arrested for human trafficking on Thursday has revealed that the kingpin of the pan-India gang, referred to as 'boss' by all members, lives in Lonavala, Mumbai and his real name is Sartaj Ahmad. The woman, identified as Amna Begum, had been arrested on April 11 and was sent to jail. She also disclosed that Asif, a resident of Thakurganj, and Aminuddin of Kaiserbagh in the estate capital worked with her as touts.
On Sunday, during interrogation, Begum disclosed that the kingpin Ahmad had visited her village Dhalai in Tripura with his aides in November 2016 and lured her with a job of Rs 20,000 per month in Dubai. Begum told police that first she was taken to Mumbai where several tests were conducted and then she was sent to Dubai where she worked at a Sheikh's house for one year.
Ahmad then asked her to join the gang and help in recruitment because there was no female in the gang which was necessary for luring other women easily. Ahmad also offered Begum Rs 1 lakh per recruitment and also promised a flat in Mumbai along with all luxuries and salary, she told police.
She was told to identify areas where women could be convinced easily. She was also told to give victims false assurance that their children will get education in good schools.
Begum confessed to have trafficked four women from three different states and said that the women are now working in the Middle East.
"A team has got in touch with Mumbai police and very soon we will swoop down on Ahmad. Meanwhile, efforts to trace Asif and Aminuddin in Mumbai are also underway," said Geeta Singh, the investigation officer of the case.