Seven Indian-origin men arrested in US prostitution sting operation

At least seven Indian-origin men were among 21 individuals arrested in Denton County, Texas, during a two-day operation conducted by the Denton County Sheriff’s Office. The operation, known as the Prostitution Demand Suppression Operation, was aimed to reduce prostitution in the community by targeting individuals attempting to purchase sexual services.

The seven Indian-origin men arrested in the prostitution sting are Nikhil Bandi, Nikhil Kummari, Galla Monish, Karthik Rayapati, Nabin Shrestha, Amit Kumar, and Jaikiran Reddy Mekala.

Nikhil Bandi and Nikhil Kummari, both residents of Denton, were charged with evading arrest and detention.

Galla Monish, Rayapati Karthik, and Nabin Shrestha, also from Denton, along with Amit Kumar from Little Elm, were arrested on charges of solicitation of prostitution.

Jaikiran Reddy Mekala was additionally charged with solicitation of prostitution involving a minor under 18, as well as evading arrest and detention. Under Texas law, solicitation of prostitution involving a minor is classified as a second-degree felony.

The operation, which took place on August 14 and 15, resulted in the arrest of 21 individuals in total, including the seven Indian-origin men. Fourteen of those arrested were charged with solicitation of prostitution, a state jail felony.

Two others were charged with the more severe second-degree felony of solicitation of prostitution involving a minor. The operation also led to the arrest of two individuals for unlawfully carrying a weapon and three others for evading arrest and detention.

On August 20th, the Denton County Sheriff’s Office provided an update, stating that they are actively pursuing leads on other individuals involved in prostitution.