Bangladeshi trans spiritual leader arrested in Mumbai for massive human trafficking ring

Mumbai Police on October 16 arrested a Bangladeshi trans person living in India for the past three decades on charges of human trafficking, illegal occupation, and forcing individuals into prostitution.

The accused, Babu Ayan Khan, also known as Jyoti and widely referred to as ‘Guru Maa,’ is alleged to have trafficked at least 200 Bangladeshi nationals, with authorities warning that the number could rise as investigations continue.

Reinventing herself as a spiritual leader for the trans community in Mumbai, Guru Maa reportedly attracted around 300 followers across the city. Using forged documents including a fake birth certificate, Aadhar card, and PAN card, she claimed Indian citizenship for decades before police verification exposed the deception.

The trafficking network

Sources reveal that Guru Maa operated a sprawling trafficking operation, smuggling people into India through the Murshidabad border in West Bengal. Trafficked individuals were initially detained in Kolkata, where fraudulent birth certificates and school-leaving certificates were prepared.

They were then transported to Mumbai and lodged in Shivaji Nagar, with 3–4 people crammed into each room and forced to pay a monthly rent of ₹5,000–10,000 to Guru Maa.

Other alleged crimes

Investigations also exposed her involvement in the illegal occupation of more than 200 flats and huts under the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), generating significant income through rentals. Additionally, police allege that Guru Maa coerced residents into prostitution, sending them to various highways for commercial exploitation.

Authorities continue to probe the full extent of her network, warning that more victims may come forward as the investigation unfolds.