The All Women Police, Koyambedu, Chennai, have arrested five persons for allegedly forcing a schoolgirl into prostitution. The arrests followed an investigation into a case that surfaced in August, when the Anti-Vice Squad rescued a Class 9 girl from a lodge in Koyambedu.
Those arrested on Sunday were identified as Bharathi Kannan, 63, a junior artist from Ramapuram, Ramesh, 40, a DMK functionary, Poongodi, 35, a dancer; her niece Aishwarya; and Mahendhran, an employee of a private construction firm.
Police investigations revealed the victim had lost her father and was abandoned by her mother who got remarried. Left without support, she stayed with Poongodi, her mother’s friend, in KK Nagar. Taking advantage of her vulnerable condition, Poongodi and Aishwarya allegedly lured her into prostitution with promises of money, gifts, and a luxurious lifestyle.
Earlier in August, three others — Anjali (31) of Kannigapuram, Nagamma (45), a small-time Telugu actress, and Nagaraj (46) of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh — were arrested after the girl was rescued.
Police said Kannan arranged clients for the gang, including Ramesh and Mahendhran. A case has been registered under the POCSO Act, and the suspects’ mobile phones are being examined to identify others involved. All five have been remanded in custody, and further investigation is under way.
Published – October 07, 2025 05:30 am IST
