Pune Police Crack Down on Illegal Sex Racket Operating from Spa in Viman Nagar
In a significant operation, the Pune city police have dismantled a sex racket that was allegedly functioning under the guise of a legitimate spa establishment in the Viman Nagar area. The raid, conducted on Saturday, led to the rescue of five women who were reportedly coerced into the flesh trade and had been working at the facility for several months.
Details of the Police Raid and Rescue Operation
Acting on credible intelligence, a specialized team from the Vimantal police station, under the leadership of Sub-Inspector Nitin Rathod, executed a targeted raid at the Signature Thai Spa. The spa is situated in a row house near Datta Mandir Chowk in Viman Nagar, with the operation commencing around 4:15 PM. During the intervention, law enforcement officials successfully extricated five women from the premises, ensuring their safety and well-being.
The rescued women, originating from diverse regions including Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, and Delhi, were allegedly enticed into the illicit trade through deceptive means. According to police statements, they had been employed at the spa for the past few months, highlighting the prolonged nature of this illegal operation.
Legal Actions and Seizures Following the Bust
The police have taken stringent legal measures against the alleged perpetrator, Mehboob Khan Lashkar, a 28-year-old native of Assam who operated the spa. He has been formally charged under section 143 (3) of the Bharatiya Nyata Sanhita, which pertains to trafficking of persons, as well as sections 3, 4, 5, and 7 of the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act. The case has been registered at the Vimantal police station, marking a firm stance against such criminal activities.
During the raid, authorities confiscated a variety of items with an estimated total value of Rs 38,475. The seized materials included cash, two point-of-sale machines, spa bill books, condoms, and other related paraphernalia. These items are expected to serve as crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation, shedding light on the operational dynamics of the racket.
Investigation Insights and Future Steps
Senior Police Inspector Govind Jadhav of the Vimantal police station provided further insights into the case, noting that preliminary investigations have revealed the use of online and social media platforms by the accused to solicit customers for prostitution services at the spa. "The spa operator has been arrested, and our probe indicates that digital channels were exploited to facilitate this illegal trade. We are continuing our investigation to uncover all aspects of this network," Jadhav stated.
The arrest of the operator and the seizure of evidence underscore the police's commitment to combating human trafficking and immoral activities in the region. This operation not only highlights the vigilance of the Pune police but also serves as a warning to other potential offenders involved in similar illicit enterprises.
