Nagpur: The Social Security Branch of Nagpur Crime Branch has busted an alleged prostitution racket operating under the cover of a spa in the city’s Ganesh Nagar area, arresting the woman owner and a male manager for allegedly exploiting a woman by luring her with promises of quick and substantial earnings. Police also seized cash, mobile phones and other articles collectively worth around Rs 45,000 during the raid.
Acting on specific intelligence about illegal flesh trade activities, a team of the Social Security Branch conducted a raid at S.M. Spa, located in Vandana Apartment near Sharda Chowk in Ganesh Nagar, under the jurisdiction of Kotwali police station, on November 2.
The operation was conducted between 4.10 pm and 8.15 pm in the presence of independent witnesses.
During the raid, police allegedly caught the spa owner, identified as Shaba Parveen Munawwar Shaikh (36), a resident of Mahal, and manager Sheikh Mohsin Munna Shaikh (28), a resident of Nandanvan, allegedly facilitating prostitution for financial gain.
According to the police, the duo had allegedly acted in connivance to exploit a woman by promising her an opportunity to earn substantial money within a short period. They allegedly provided premises and customers at the spa and facilitated the victim’s involvement in commercial sexual activities.
The raid exposed the alleged misuse of a commercial spa establishment as a cover for immoral activities, with the accused allegedly arranging customers and premises to generate illegal earnings at the expense of the victim.
During the operation, the Crime Branch seized Rs 3,000 in cash, three mobile phones and other materials. The total value of the seized property has been estimated at Rs 45,000.
A case has been registered against the accused at Kotwali police station under Sections 143(2), 143(3) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 3, 4, 5 and 7 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956.
The arrested accused, along with the seized property, were handed over to Kotwali police for further legal action.
Further investigation is underway to establish the extent of the alleged racket and ascertain whether others were involved in operating the illegal activity.
