Crime branch busts prostitution racket at spa centre; five women rescued, one arrested

Acting on confidential information received on Friday, the team conducted a raid at a spa located at Bakori Phata, Wagholi

The Anti-Human Trafficking Cell of the Crime Branch, Pune City, busted an alleged prostitution racket operating from a spa centre in Wagholi and rescued five women, police officials said on Saturday.

An inspector first verified the information by sending a decoy customer to the spa. After confirming the illegal activity, a surprise raid was carried out. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Acting on confidential information received on Friday, the team conducted a raid at a spa located at Bakori Phata, Wagholi. Police said they had received information that women were being forced into prostitution under the guise of spa services.

An inspector first verified the information by sending a decoy customer to the spa. After confirming the illegal activity, a surprise raid was carried out.

During the operation, five women were rescued. Police also arrested the accused Mahavir Sudam Sasane (29), a resident of Sainath Nagar, Perne Phata, Pune district, along with another person in connection with the case.

A case has been registered at Wagholi Police Station under relevant sections 143(1)(3), 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956.