Just 500 metres from the Uttar Pradesh Police HQ, a dark tale unfolded at Omaxe R1 in Lucknow. The flat, outwardly unremarkable, housed Thrijin Raj—also known as Arjun Rana—a 33-year-old masquerading as a journalist for GTS News. Living with his Uzbek partner Lola Kayumova, 48, Thrijin ran more than a media front.
Thrijin, hailing from Alappuzha, Kerala, had leased apartment Orchid B104. Two other Uzbek women, Holida and Nilofar, also stayed there. Investigators allege all were part of a high-level trafficking and sex exploitation ring masterminded by Dr Vivek Gupta, a cosmetic surgeon practicing in Lucknow for over a decade.
The scandal broke after a tip-off to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Ground intelligence led to a joint probe with Sushant Golf City police. Dr Gupta—who owns clinics in Ahmamau, Bangla Bazar, and Viram Khand—advertised his skills in cosmetic, reconstructive, and hair procedures.
The FIR names both Thrijin and Gupta. Charges include fraud, conspiracy, violations of the Foreigners Act, and immigration offenses. Holida and Nilofar, now detained, told police they lost their travel documents years ago.
Lola, living illegally in India for seven years, is wanted by Uzbek authorities. She allegedly lured vulnerable women with false job promises. Their passports were seized, IDs forged, and their appearance surgically altered to resemble Indian citizens.
Locals observed unusual nighttime activity, suspecting the apartment was more than a home. Police have confiscated key documents, and the Resident Welfare Association’s role is under scrutiny.