Lucknow police have arrested a 45-year-old Uzbek national who had allegedly been wanted for more than a year in a suspected sex-trafficking case. The woman, identified as Lola Kayumova, was taken into custody after investigators traced her presence in Lucknow, bringing a lengthy search to an end.
According to police, Kayumova was wanted in a case registered in June 2025 after two Uzbek women were found staying illegally at an apartment in the Omaxe R1 complex in Sushant Golf City. Investigators alleged that the women had been brought to India through Nepal on promises of employment before allegedly being pushed into prostitution.
The arrest has provided investigators with a potentially important breakthrough as they continue probing the alleged network and the people suspected of assisting it.
Uzbek woman allegedly changed appearance to evade arrest
Police said Kayumova allegedly took extensive measures to avoid detection during the period she remained on the run. Investigators claim she underwent seven cosmetic surgeries, involving different parts of her face and body, allegedly to change her appearance and make herself more difficult to identify.
The surgeries reportedly involved her face, lips, underarms and private parts. Police also alleged that Kayumova attempted to present herself as a younger and affluent woman while moving between different locations.
During the investigation, two Uzbek women identified as Holida and Nilofar allegedly told police that the procedures had been carried out by Lucknow-based doctor Vivek Gupta at a private clinic in Ahmamau.
Gupta and Kayumova’s live-in partner, identified as Trijin alias Arjun Rana, were also named among those who had allegedly remained unavailable to investigators since the case was registered. The allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation and judicial process.
FRRO alert helped police locate Kayumova
According to Lucknow police, the breakthrough came after an alert from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) regarding Kayumova’s presence in the city.
DCP South Md Mushtaq said police questioned Kayumova before arresting her at the women’s help desk of the Sushant Golf City police station. She was subsequently produced before a court.
The development marks a significant step in a case that had remained under investigation for more than a year. Police are now examining her alleged connections and attempting to establish the wider network behind the suspected trafficking operation.
Police allege expired visa and Indian identity documents
Investigators have also raised questions about Kayumova’s immigration status. Additional DCP South Vasanth Rallapalli said she had allegedly continued living in India for several years after her passport and visa expired.
Police further alleged that she obtained Indian identity documents despite being a foreign national.
During questioning, Kayumova allegedly told investigators that she had lived at different locations across states and districts after her documents expired. Police are also examining her claims regarding associates who allegedly helped her remain in India.
Investigators said women connected with the group were allegedly involved in prostitution in different parts of the country. Police are now attempting to verify these claims and identify any additional individuals who may have been involved.
Two mobile phones seized for further investigation
Police recovered two mobile phones from Kayumova following her arrest. Investigators are examining the devices for information that could shed light on the suspected network, communications with associates and the movement of women allegedly linked to the case.
The digital evidence could become important as investigators work to determine whether the alleged operation extended beyond Lucknow and whether additional people played a role in arranging travel, accommodation or recruitment.
Authorities have indicated that further arrests or legal action will depend on the evidence recovered during the investigation.
Charges filed under multiple laws
Kayumova is facing charges under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Registration of Foreigners Act and the Foreigners Act, according to police.
The case highlights the challenges investigators face when dealing with suspected trafficking networks involving foreign nationals, cross-border movement and allegedly fraudulent documentation.
Police are continuing to investigate the alleged recruitment and movement of women from Uzbekistan into India. They are also examining the role of individuals suspected of helping Kayumova and others remain outside the reach of law enforcement.
While Kayumova’s arrest represents a major development, investigators are yet to establish the full extent of the alleged network. Police have stressed that action against other accused persons will depend on evidence gathered during the continuing probe.
The arrest therefore marks not only the end of a year-long search for one key suspect but also a potentially crucial stage in uncovering the wider structure behind the suspected Lucknow sex-trafficking case.
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