Brothels for Bangladeshi Migrant workers in Kerala

Kochi: Perumbavoor, which is a hub of Bangladeshi migrant workers now has exclusive brothel services too, to cater to carnal pleasures. According to reports, these brothels function in five different places and are run by Malayalis themselves.

The brothels function in Thadekkadu, Kuttippadam, Vallam have one each, while the very town of Perumbavoor has its share of a single brothel. Brothel runners are said to have take homes on rent, for which they pay approximately rupees 15,000 to 20,000 per month. Malayalis are strictly forbidden entry to these places and are solely for migrant workers. Sources state that ‘clients’ who frequent these places need to pay rupees 300 to 500 per visit. The rate is different for Sundays, which is said to be the busiest day.

Local reports state that migrant workers are concentrated in areas like PP Road, Private Bus Stand Road and near the beverages outlet, which are frequented by agents. Workers are ferried to these centres by autorickshaws in groups of 4 or 5.

The largest number of migrant workers are said to be in Kunnathunaadu Taluk, which has 565 veneer and plywood companies, where only migrant workers are employed. Apart from these Perumbavoor has its share of rice mills, stone quarries, metal cushers etc, where migrant workers are largely employed. On the whole, according to official data, the total population of migrant workers in Perumbavoor has crossed half a lakh. Out of these, the larger share of employees falls into the age group between 18 and 25. And trying to lure them into brothels is an entire mafia, which is largely being backed by religious and political communities. Almost all business establishments in Perumbavoor rely heavily on migrant workers, which is why the sponsoring of brothels is being backed by the business class of the place. Police are also allegedly said be turning a blind eye towards the same.