Bengaluru, July 9: The Karnataka police recently busted a racket that allegedly scammed customers by offering fake "sex services". The police arrested eight people in connection with the incident from Hassan district. Police officials said that the accused used to scam people online by using an illegal app called "Locanto" app. Notably, the alleged app promised sex services to its customers.

According to a report in the New Indian Express, customers who used the app had to log in to a website called "Kushalnagar Top Model Sexy Aunties Service". Upon visiting the website, customers were reportedly provided with the option to book "prostitutes" online. The alleged racket came to light after a man from Kushalnagar fell prey to the scam. Karnataka Shocker: Police Constable Stabs Wife to Death in SP’s Office Premises in Hassan District, Absconding.

In his complaint, the victim said that he called one of the phone numbers available on the website. During the call, an accused told the victim how he could book a prostitute online by paying INR 1,500 for an hour and INR 4,000 for a night. After the call, the victim paid INR 1,500 and booked a prostitute online. Following this, the victim was asked to come near Kaleghat Lodge in Kushalnagar for the " sex service".

When the victim reached the spot, the accused demanded more money from him. However, the hotel's manager denied offering such services when the victim enquired about them. Realising he had been duped, he approached the police and lodged a complaint. Acting on the victim's complaint, the police launched an investigation and busted the racket. Karnataka Shocker: Minor Boy Kills Aunt for Rejecting Sexual Advances, Tries to Pass Off Murder as Heart Attack Death in Dakshin Kannada.

They arrested eight people, including a minor girl from Hassan district, for their alleged involvement in the "sex services" racket. Police officials said that the accused duped several people from across the state. The accused are reportedly said to have scammed over INR 3 lakh from the victims. All accused were booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 09, 2024 09:28 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).