A human trafficking racket has been uncovered in Lucknow, India, involving Uzbek women, a plastic surgeon, and a network of individuals facilitating their illegal stay and activities. The investigation began after two Uzbek women, Holida and Nilofar, were discovered residing illegally in a flat in the Golf City area of Lucknow, without valid visas or passports.

The women's detention prompted a multi-agency investigation, revealing that they had undergone plastic surgery to alter their appearances and avoid detection. They confessed to authorities that another Uzbek woman, Lola Kayumova, had brought them to India and introduced them to a plastic surgeon, Dr. Vivek Gupta, who runs clinics in Patrakarpuram and Ahimamau areas of the city. Holida and Nilofar stated that Dr. Gupta, along with Trijin Raj, also known as Arjun Rana, arranged for their accommodation and facilitated their stay, despite knowing their documents were invalid. Both women are currently being processed for deportation.

Lola Kayumova, identified as the central figure in the racket, is accused of luring vulnerable Uzbek women to India with false promises of employment. Upon arrival, their passports and visas were confiscated, and they were forced into prostitution. Kayumova, who has been living illegally in Lucknow for over seven years, is also wanted by Uzbekistan, with an Interpol notice reportedly issued against her. She allegedly obtained fake Indian identification documents, including an Aadhaar card and a driving license, to legitimize her stay. Furthermore, official records falsely list her as married to a local resident, Janak Pratap Singh, who denies the marriage and claims the certificate is forged.

Adding another layer to the deception, Kayumova reportedly underwent seven cosmetic surgeries to alter her appearance and project the image of a wealthy, younger woman. These procedures, allegedly performed by Dr. Vivek Gupta at his Minerva Clinic, included surgeries on her face, lips, underarms, and even private parts. Police believe she wanted to appear as a 29-year-old NRI socialite, allowing her to operate the racket undetected for years.

Dr. Vivek Gupta is now under scrutiny for his alleged involvement in the racket. He is accused of performing the cosmetic surgeries knowing the women's illegal status and of helping them to obtain fake Indian identification. Authorities are also investigating Trijin Raj, believed to be Kayumova's partner, for his role in arranging fake IDs for the women.

As of June 26, 2025, Kayumova, Dr. Gupta, and Trijin Raj remain at large. Police suspect they have fled the city and are coordinating with central intelligence agencies and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to track them down. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities looking into how Kayumova managed to stay in India despite her expired travel documents and probing whether more foreign nationals were brought in through similar means. The case has raised serious questions about immigration protocols and security lapses, prompting a thorough review of the systems in place to prevent such incidents.