Father arrested for pushing minor daughter into prostitution racket; kingpin Bharat Shetty and 11 others also detained

Father arrested for pushing minor daughter into prostitution racket; kingpin Bharat Shetty and 11 others also detained

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, January 8, 2026: In a horrific incident reported from Birur, Chikkamagaluru, a father allegedly pushed his minor daughter into a prostitution racket for monetary gain. Police have arrested 12 individuals in connection with the case, including the father, the girl’s grandmother, and the notorious kingpin of the trade, Bharat Shetty.

It is reported that the father handed over his daughter to the traffickers after being promised ₹5,000 per day. The victim, who had recently completed her PUC while living with relatives following her mother’s death, had recently returned to her father’s home. During a visit to her grandmother’s house in December, the prime accused, Bharat Shetty, befriended the family and convinced the father and daughter to visit his residence in Mangaluru.

Despite the girl informing her father of her physical discomfort during the journey, she was forced into sexual acts upon arrival. The victim was sexually exploited by multiple men aged between 20 and 45. Even as she pleaded for mercy, citing her age as a minor, the perpetrators reportedly claimed they had already paid Bharat Shetty for her.

Following a complaint by the victim, the police registered an FIR and conducted raids. Bharat Shetty, who already faces over eight cases related to prostitution in Mangaluru and Udupi districts, is now in custody along with 11 others. Authorities are continuing their investigation to track down additional suspects involved in the network.