Executive Summary
- Delhi Police rescued six women and arrested one individual after busting a human trafficking ring in Paharganj.
- The operation was triggered by a tip received via ‘Say Help,’ a new voice-activated emergency app that sends real-time video, audio, and GPS data.
- The app was developed by Houston-based Mahesh Salgaonkar and is currently in a trial phase with the Delhi Police (Central).
- Authorities report the app has been downloaded around 15,000 times and has proven effective in other emergency situations.
Delhi Police successfully dismantled a human trafficking operation in the Paharganj area last month, rescuing six women and arresting a 36-year-old female receptionist. The raid was initiated after law enforcement received a critical tip through ‘Say Help,’ a new voice-activated emergency application currently being tested by the department’s Central district.
The ‘Say Help’ Application
The ‘Say Help’ app allows users to discreetly alert police and personal contacts by using custom voice phrases or pressing a button. Upon activation, it transmits real-time video, audio, and precise GPS location data. In this incident, a 32-year-old man used the app on October 30 after witnessing a woman being forcibly taken into a property operating as a spa. The immediate and accurate data provided by the app enabled police to quickly mobilize a team to the location.
Police Operation Details
According to DCP (Central) Nidhin Valsan, a police officer posed as a decoy customer to confirm the illicit activities. After receiving a pre-arranged signal from the decoy, a raiding team entered the premises. They found six women and the female receptionist inside. A case has been registered under the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, 1956. During questioning, the arrested receptionist reportedly admitted to running the operation with her husband.
Development and Implementation
The application was developed by Mahesh Salgaonkar, a 46-year-old Indian-origin man based in Houston, Texas. The idea originated from a 2019 conversation with a police officer in Indiana about delays in accessing digital evidence in a criminal case. After two years of development, the app was launched in several countries. Following a meeting with DCP Valsan, the Delhi Police’s Central district began testing the application in September. Police officials report it has been downloaded approximately 15,000 times and has also been used to intervene in cases of domestic violence and harassment.
Key Takeaways
The successful operation highlights the potential of new technologies like the ‘Say Help’ app in aiding law enforcement with real-time intelligence for rapid response. The trial has yielded encouraging results, demonstrating its utility in combating crimes such as human trafficking and gender-based violence. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.