This Article is From Aug 12, 2011

Gulf-bound bar girls a terror threat: Cops

Gulf-bound bar girls a terror threat: Cops
Mumbai: The Home and police departments have been alerted that performers are being trafficked to the Middle East, forced into prostitution, and subsequently used by underworld dons to carry back information to counterparts in the city.

The bar girls are sent to different cities across the country and then routed to their final destinations in the Gulf region.

Fearing that these girls, once trafficked, might double up as terror carriers for the underworld, cops posted at the city's check points have been asked to keep an eye out for traffickers.

Javed Ahmed Khan, vice president of the BJP's minority morcha, sent an application to the police and Home departments recently, alerting them about the looming threat of terror in the city.

In his letters addressed to Mumbai's police commissioner, the Anti-Terrorism Squad chief and the Home Minister, he shared the knowledge that many bargirls in Mumbai are likely to be lured to Dubai, to perform at house parties during Ramzan celebrations.

These girls, who earn up to Rs 1 lakh for a single performance, might be used by the underworld to pass on messages to their counterparts in Mumbai, which might ultimately result in terror attacks.

Khan divulged that he had received a complaint from a woman whose daughter had travelled for a performance to Dubai, only to be forced into prostitution.

The girl reportedly informed Khan that she had been approached by members of the underworld to pass on confidential information to their counterparts in Mumbai, upon her return.

"I was forced into prostitution, even though I had agreed only to perform in stage shows. I was shocked when an underworld don approached me, asking me to pass on secret information," said the girl.

Nisar Tamboli, official spokesperson for the Mumbai police department, confirmed that the police have tightened their grip on city agents who send dancers to Gulf countries at this time every year.

"The various police departments have been briefed about the terror threat faced by the city," he said.

Senior cop-turned-advocate Y P Singh said, "Most of the agents operate in connivance with the Immigration Department.

The police should register cases of human trafficking, and thereafter investigate the existing nexus between these agents and Immigration officials.

Once this nexus is laid bare, the illegal human trafficking will be under control, and the security risks eliminated."
.