Meerut, March 30 -- The Sambhal police on Friday arrested 14 members of an interstate gang engaged in human trafficking, sexual exploitation and wildlife trafficking, operating under the guise of esoteric practices.

According to the police, the gang, self-dubbed "Dhanvarsha" (meaning "rain of wealth"), preyed on impoverished families by promising supernatural wealth through esoteric practices. They sexually exploited young boys and girls and trafficked rare wildlife species, including turtles, for profit.

Targeting vulnerable families, the gang sought virgin girls taller than 5 feet 5 inches, free of scars, burns, tattoos, surgical history, or animal bites, claiming they possessed "special qualities" for wealth generation. Victims were ...