Four Arrested, Including Congress and BJP Workers, in Cherai Lodge Prostitution Case

Kochi: Four people, including a Congress worker and a BJP worker, have been arrested in connection with a prostitution racket allegedly operated from a rented building on Cherai Beach Road. The Munambam police arrested Hari (55) of Marottikkal House, Ramesh (49) of Irupathilparambil House, Sumesh (42) of Vechiledath House and Premnath (50) of Valiyathara House, all natives of Cherai.

More people are suspected to be involved in the case.

The racket was allegedly being run from Malayalees Lodge in the Cherai Merchants Association building. The accused were caught during a police raid conducted on Saturday evening following a tip-off. The investigation also found that they had earlier operated a similar prostitution racket from a rented house on Cherai Beach Road.

According to the FIR, the accused brought women to the lodge, arranged customers and collected money. They allegedly charged Rs 2,000 from each customer, paid Rs 1,000 to the women and shared the remaining amount among themselves.

The raid was carried out after police received confidential information at around 5.40 pm on Saturday. A police team reached the lodge around 6.30 pm and searched several rooms. Women and customers were found inside, following which the accused were arrested. Cash and other evidence were seized from the premises.

Police alleged that the lodge owner and employees had jointly operated the prostitution racket. A case has been registered under various provisions of the law dealing with the prevention of immoral activities. The raid was led by Njarakkal Inspector K K Shebab.