WhatsApp Communities, network of agents and lodge staff across Kerala: Police unearth sex racket during Guruvayur operation

Police in Guruvayur have arrested three men in connection with an online sex racket that allegedly ran through multiple WhatsApp communities and a network of agents across Kerala.

According to police, the gang used the WhatsApp Communities feature to manage their operations. This feature groups several chat rooms under one main community, allows admins to send announcements, and helps organise members into topic-based groups. It offers end-to-end encryption, hides phone numbers from non-contacts and provides tools like polls, events and file sharing, making it easier to manage large groups.

Five online groups used for illegal activities

Police said the sex trade was run through five WhatsApp communities. The arrested persons are:

Ajay Vinod (24), Guruvayur – main accused and group administrator

M.J. Shojin (21), Kodungallur – agent

Ranjith (41), Peringode, Palakkad – lodge staff and agent

How the accused were caught

Police acted on a tip-off received by the District Police Chief. A team led by Guruvayur C Premanandakrishnan and Temple Station Inspector G. Ajaykumar carried out the operation.

Ajay Vinod was arrested from a lodge opposite the Temple police station. After checking his mobile phone, police found details about other agents. He has been remanded in custody. The other two accused will be produced before the court on Wednesday.

Woman admin and wider network under investigation

Police said another administrator, a woman, is also part of the group and is currently being traced. The investigation has been intensified to identify more agents.

The group involved is known as ‘All Kerala Real Meet Service (RMS)’. Police said the racket was active for more than one and a half years and had agents across Kerala.

Lodge staff linked to the racket

Police said staff of several lodges in Kerala were secretly helping the operation. They also said the first accused had secured a bank job but chose to enter illegal activities instead.