Police arrest Kerala gang that forces models to become escorts and targeted actress Shamna Kasim

A Kerala gang that trapped many aspiring young models, and blackmailed them into becoming escorts and gold smugglers, went too far when they targeted popular Kerala actress Shamna Kasim. Twitter users from Kerala are sharing news reports of how, a special investigation team (SIT), has arrested the kingpin and members of his gang, who allegedly threatened Kasim, and tried to extort money from her family.

Police launched the investigation based on a complaint from actress Shamna Kasim's family that the gang made attempts to extort money from them, after approaching them with a marriage proposal for her. Shamna Kasim, also known by the stage name Poorna, has acted in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu movies.

Reportedly, a “suitor” called up Kasim on her cellphone, and claimed that he was an NRI businessman running a jewellery business. Subsequently, the suitor’s “relatives” visited her house, and became friendly with the family. They showed her the photograph of a TikTok model from Kasargod, as the “suitor”, according to news website mumbaimirror.com.

According to the report: “A few days later, the man called the actress, and demanded Rs100,000 (Dh4,856). He told her not to inform her mother, and asked her to hand over the cash to a person who will be visiting her. When the fraudsters felt that the actor was hesitant to part with the money, they started issuing threats, and said they would derail her career.”

Last week, Kasim's parents lodged a police complaint. Her father, in his complaint, said the blackmailers were threatening to release video clips of his daughter, if they were not given money.

On June 24, police arrested four people in relation to the case.

More victims come forward

Following the arrest, three women, working as models, approached the police on Thursday, with a complaint that they were kept in the gang's captivity for a week, in Palakkad. One woman alleged molestation by one of the gang member while being held in captivity, according to various news reports.

Reportedly, one of the models also informed the police that at least eight women were kept in the location at Palakkad for eight days.

On Thursday, Kochi police commissioner, Vijay Sakhare told the media that a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to nab three other members of the gang. A probe was launched into the ring's involvement in other cases.

According to Vijay Sakhare, the target of the gang appears to be film actors and models. Their modus operandi is to approach aspiring actors and models offering a role in movies. Then they would demand cash for business needs.