EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. – A 38-year-old Bridgewater man arrested during a statewide undercover operation targeting alleged online child predators has been released from custody following his initial booking, according to Middlesex County inmate records.
Vedant Khandelwal was arrested by East Brunswick police on December 10 as part of “Operation Bad Santa,” a six-day investigation led by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. He was charged with luring or enticing a child by various means under statute 2C:13-6A and criminal attempt under statute 2C:5-1A(1).
Authorities said the operation involved undercover officers posing as minors in online chats with suspects who allegedly sought to arrange meetings for sexual activity. Khandelwal was one of twelve men arrested during the coordinated sting between December 8 and December 15.
Booking records show Khandelwal, a non-U.S. citizen, was processed at 11:35 p.m. on December 10 and released the following afternoon at 5:03 p.m. He was held without bail during his initial detention, and his case remains pending in Middlesex County court.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the FBI Newark Field Office, East Brunswick Police Department, and local departments across Middlesex County.
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Khandelwal’s case is active, and prosecutors have not yet announced a court date.
A Bridgewater man charged with luring and attempted child endangerment during “Operation Bad Santa” was released from custody less than 24 hours after his arrest.