2022 Mangaluru Prostitution Case: All 17 Accused Acquitted

The infamous 2022 prostitution scandal involving PU college girls in a Nandigudde, Attavar apartment has ended with the acquittal of all 17 accused due to insufficient evidence. The case, which had sent shockwaves through Mangaluru, was exposed after a police raid led by then-Police Commissioner Shashikumar and DCP Hariram Shankar.

During the crackdown, authorities arrested 17 individuals, including well-known local builders and associates of influential politicians from Ullal. The primary suspect, Shameena from Uppala, Kasargod, was accused of running a sophisticated prostitution network along with her husband, Abubakkar Siddique, and associates Asma, Aisamma, Rehmath, and Ummar Kunhi.

Investigators revealed that young women, particularly college students from economically weak backgrounds, were enticed with promises of wealth and an extravagant lifestyle. Two Muslim girls were rescued, while 15 people—including three women and a 75-year-old man—were detained. Clients, allegedly including wealthy individuals from Kerala, were misled into believing they were meeting underage girls in private flats.

The accused allegedly befriended students, took them on outings, and later coerced them into sex work by offering large sums of money. Despite the police filing a charge sheet and presenting 86 witnesses, the case fell apart in court as key testimonies were not provided.

On March 28, the Mangaluru District Additional POCSO Court ruled in favor of the accused, citing lack of conclusive proof. During the trial, the prime accused, Shameena, passed away. The defense team included advocates Arun Bangera, Vikram Raj, Prasad Bangera, and Mohammad Asgar.