Manjalpur flat used to run Stripchat operation; earnings shared equally
Vadodara police have arrested a man allegedly operating a nude video-call racket from a rented third-floor flat in Manjalpur, officials said on Thursday. The accused has been identified as Manish Padhiyar, a 10th-pass resident, who is reported to have organised women to appear on the Stripchat app for customers and split earnings with them.
According to police, the operation involved bringing women to the flat, where they would appear online and perform acts requested by customers. Revenue generated on the platform was shared on a 50:50 basis between Padhiyar and the women, investigators said. Police allege Padhiyar used money from the activity to purchase the Manjalpur flat for ₹11 lakh.
- Accused: Manish Padhiyar (arrested); educational qualification reported as 10th pass.
- Location of operation: Rented third-floor flat, Manjalpur, Vadodara.
- Platform used: Stripchat app; earnings split 50% each.
- Alleged purchase: Flat bought for ₹11 lakh with proceeds of the operation.
How the alleged network operated
Police described the payment mechanism used by customers on the app. Users reportedly recharged their accounts with amounts ranging from ₹500 to ₹5,000, receiving virtual coins. When a customer placed a call after recharging, a woman would appear on the screen; the number of coins in the customer's account reduced in accordance with the time spent on the call, police said.
| Action | Value |
|---|---|
| Recharge amounts reported | ₹500–₹5,000 |
| Earnings split | 50% each |
| Flat purchase (alleged proceeds) | ₹11 lakh |
Investigations widening; links being probed
Senior police officers said investigators are now examining the accused's bank accounts, mobile phone and the broader app network to ascertain the scale of the operation and whether it extends beyond the Manjalpur flat. Authorities are also probing potential connections to other women involved, customers and possible elements of fraud or blackmail.
"Police received information that girls were being kept on rent in flats within the Manjalpur police station area," said ACP Vimal Gamit, summarising the initial tip-off that led to the raid and arrest.
During questioning, police learned that one woman allegedly connected to the operation is from Ghaziabad and is reportedly training to become an air hostess. She has been brought in for questioning, officials said. Police also indicated that Padhiyar had previously operated a call centre and allegedly involved at least one woman who had worked with him earlier.
Investigators stressed that the probe remains active and that further arrests or disclosures are possible as electronic records and financial trails are examined. Authorities did not disclose whether any customers have been identified or named in the complaint as the investigation continues.
Local context and implications
The incident highlights growing challenges for law enforcement as internet-based adult platforms are increasingly used to monetise live interactions. For Vadodara, a city with expanding residential areas like Manjalpur, police said such information from neighbourhoods and local informants remains crucial to detecting operations that are otherwise run from routine-looking rented accommodations.
Officials are expected to scrutinise payment flows and platform records to establish whether the operation involved coercion, fraud or elements of organised exploitation. Depending on findings, additional charges could be framed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and information technology laws.
Police urged residents to report suspicious activity in rented premises and cooperated with platform providers where possible to trace transactions and user accounts linked to the case.
The probe is continuing under the supervision of the Manjalpur police and city police crime units. Further updates will be issued as enquiries progress.
