Pune Police Bust Prostitution Rackets in Spa Raids: 18 Rescued, Including Thai Nationals & Minors
Pune News, July 09, 2025: In a major crackdown, Pune Police raided two upscale spas in the city, rescuing 18 women—including Thai nationals and two minors—who were allegedly being forced into prostitution. The raids, conducted in Viman Nagar and Baner, exposed a disturbing human trafficking operation disguised as legitimate massage parlors.
Spa Raids Uncover Human Trafficking Ring
Acting on a tip-off, police teams stormed the two spas on Tuesday evening (July 9). The first raid took place at a Viman Nagar spa near the Airport area, where officers rescued 16 women, including 10 foreign nationals (mostly Thai citizens) and two Indian minors aged 15 and 17.
Simultaneously, another raid in Baner led to the rescue of two more women. Authorities have arrested the spa owners, managers, and the property owner in connection with the illegal activities.
Minors Lured with Fake Job Promises
Investigations revealed that the accused preyed on vulnerable victims, luring them with false job offers before coercing them into prostitution. The two rescued minors were reportedly trapped under emotional and financial exploitation.
Senior Inspector Ashalata Khapre, who led the operation, stated that the police had received intelligence about immoral activities at the spas before conducting the raids.
Ongoing Investigations & Legal Action
The Viman Nagar police have taken the spa owner into custody, while cases have been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and the Indian Penal Code.
This incident has once again highlighted the dark underbelly of illegal spa operations in Pune, raising concerns about human trafficking and the exploitation of minors. Police have assured strict action against those involved and are expanding their probe to uncover further links in the racket.
