Women allege firm locked them up after promising jobs; Indore cops begin investigation

Indore, Jul 16 (PTI) Police in Indore in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday launched an investigation into allegations that young women from nearby districts were lured in the name of jobs, subjected to extortion and then locked in a room after their mobile phones were snatched, an official said. Some young women had come to Rajendra Nagar police station with a complaint, alleging fraud in the name of employment, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Sumit Kerketta told reporters. "Initial investigation has revealed that a private firm operates an office in Rajendra Nagar where young women were allegedly recruited to sell Ayurvedic products. Statements are being taken from the women, and a probe is underway to determine whether the firm possesses valid documents," he said. As per their statements, the women were kept at a location under the guise of training and restricted from going out, Kerketta added. "The women were asked to pay Rs 7000 per month for their accommodation in Indore and Rs 16,000 for a job. So far, we have received information of about eight or nine such women. If the investigation reveals any criminal angle, an FIR will be filed, and appropriate action will be taken," the additional DCP said. A woman, speaking on condition of anonymity, said she was lured to Indore by an acquaintance under the pretext of a job. The woman said she was initially asked to pay Rs 7,000 and later Rs 16,000, following which her mobile phone was taken away and she was locked in a room. The woman alleged that people associated with the private firm allowed her to speak to her family only under their supervision, and that she was threatened if she resisted. "I and some other women somehow managed to escape and reach the police," she said. PTI HWP MAS BNM