Sex Racket Busted at Pune Spa Centre; Police Rescue Five Women
Sex Racket Busted at Pune Spa Centre; Police Rescue Five Women
Pune: Pune City Police have uncovered an illegal sex racket operating under the guise of a spa centre within the Airport Police Station limits, triggering fresh concerns over unlawful activities in the city’s Viman Nagar area.
Acting on specific intelligence, the Airport Police conducted a planned raid on a spa centre named Signature Thai Spa, located near Datta Mandir Chowk in Viman Nagar, on Saturday afternoon around 4.15 pm. The operation led to the rescue of five women and the arrest of the main accused, identified as Mehboob Khan Lashkar (28), a resident of Assam.
According to police officials, the accused allegedly lured women into prostitution by offering financial incentives. Preliminary investigations revealed that the women, residents of Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, and Delhi, had been forced into the flesh trade and were working at the spa for the past several months.
During the raid, police seized cash, bill books, two point-of-sale (POS) machines, condoms, and other materials worth Rs 38,475. A case has been registered against the spa operator under Section 143(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (human trafficking) and Sections 3, 4, 5, and 7 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.
Senior Police Inspector Govind Jadhav of Airport Police Station stated that the accused used online platforms and social media to contact customers and facilitate the illegal activities. Further investigation is currently underway to identify additional links and accomplices.
The Viman Nagar and Kalyani Nagar areas, which fall under the airport jurisdiction, have witnessed growing public concern due to the proliferation of spas, bars, and nightclubs. Residents have repeatedly demanded strict action against illegal businesses in the area, especially following previous high-profile incidents.
Police have reiterated that strict action will continue against unlawful activities operating under the cover of legitimate businesses in Pune.
