Hyderabad cops free Ugandan woman forced into flesh trade from captor

Hyderabad: A WhatsApp alert from Romania helped police to rescue a Ugandan woman who was forced into flesh trade and confined to a flat in Banjara Hills, and arrested her captor. The victim, who was confined by Kenyan Cheruiyot Shyline Jeptoo, informed her friend in Romania who in turn contacted the city police and shared her details.

Banjara Hills inspector M. Narender said a case had been registered against Jeptoo, who was sent to judicial remand on Saturday.

Police said the victim came into contact with Jeptoo last year and was offered a job in the city. Believing her, the victim flew to Hyderabad last December and met Jeptoo. A few days later, she was forced into flesh trade and confined to a flat in Road no 10, Banjara Hills. She was assaulted for refusing to give in to Jeptoo's demands.

Meanwhile, the victim's friend who got to know about her situation alerted the police late on Friday night, following which a search operation was launched and she was traced.

Police said Jeptoo came to India two years ago on a tourist visa and did not go back. She has been staying illegally here.