Nagpur police bust sex racket run from Sadar spa, rescue 3 women; operator absconding

Police in Nagpur have busted a prostitution racket run under the cover of a spa in the Sadar area. Sadar is counted among the city's upscale and highly sensitive localities. The Crime Branch took direct action against 'Grapes Spa & Salon', operating from Acharaj Tower.

The action was carried out by the Crime Branch's Social Security Branch (SSB). The unit had received secret information and raided the spa on that basis. According to police, they had received firm information that prostitution was being run in the name of a spa at the Acharaj Tower premises.

Police first sent a dummy customer to confirm the tip. Once it was established, a sudden raid was carried out. Police rescued three young women who had been forced into the sex trade.

One of the rescued women is a resident of Gondia district. The other two are from Nagpur city itself.

Police arrested Hardik Nitin Nagpure red-handed at the spot. He worked at the spa as an employee and was actively involved in the illegal business.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused lured needy and helpless women with the promise of earning large sums in a short time. Tempted by the money, the women were trapped in this racket.

On getting wind of the police raid, the spa's main operator, Gunjan Asare, and its manager, Annu Zahir, managed to flee the spot. Police are currently searching for both.

Following the Crime Branch action, a case has been registered at Sadar police station against all the accused under various sections of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (PITA). Sadar police are now investigating how far the network of this racket extends.