The prime accused have been identified as Abhiranjan Das, along with his associates Priyanka Ray and Minakshi Ray.

According to police, Das, a resident of Dispur originally from Barpeta, had been running the network for the past four to five years with the help of his accomplices.

Addressing the press, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Shambhavi Mishra said the case surfaced after a survivor approached her in response to a recent police appeal linked to a separate massage parlour investigation.

"One survivor came forward who had been trapped in a complex nexus. Based on her complaint, we initiated an investigation and conducted a raid on April 19, which led to the arrests," Mishra said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the survivor, who came from an economically vulnerable background, had been searching for part-time work while continuing her studies. She was allegedly lured through a job listing on OLX offering a personal assistant role.

"Over time, she realised that the job required establishing physical relations. She was then manipulated and gradually forced into escort services," the officer stated.

Police alleged that the accused used coercion, intimidation, and surveillance to control victims. The main accused allegedly recorded explicit photos and videos of the survivor, which were later used to blackmail her.

"She was forced to meet clients and was not allowed to act independently. She was also subjected to physical assault and sustained injuries. At one point, she was confined at the accused's residence," Mishra added.

According to investigators, when a friend attempted to help the survivor, the accused allegedly issued threats and made extortion demands.

The racket is believed to have operated through an international website that facilitated bookings, with communication primarily conducted via WhatsApp. Police further stated that the accused misused legal grey areas related to prostitution to sustain their activities.

A case (No. 7/2026) has been registered at the Cyber Police Station under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including serious offences.

During the raid, police recovered Rs 3.8 lakh in cash, five mobile phones, a laptop, more than 20 SIM cards, and other incriminating materials. The accused are also suspected to have been involved in additional illegal activities, including gambling.

Investigators believe that at least eight individuals were directly affected by the network, while around 10 more potential targets have been identified during the probe. All victims are reportedly from Assam.

"Priyanka Ray, who is the girlfriend of the main accused, and Minakshi Ray, his wife, were actively involved in the operation. They allegedly helped lure young women, including those who had just turned 18," Mishra said.

She further noted that the accused relied on intimidation tactics, including threats of false legal cases and the release of private material, to keep victims under control.

"The case came to light because one survivor showed the courage to approach the police. We encourage others facing similar exploitation to come forward without fear," Mishra said.

Further investigation into the racket is ongoing.