Pune, India – In a significant operation targeting illegal activities, the Anti-Human Trafficking and Trade Prevention Unit (AHTU) of Pune Police have successfully exposed a prostitution racket being run under the guise of a spa on NIBM Road. The raid, conducted at Irene Spa, resulted in the arrest of the spa’s manager and owner, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat such illicit operations in the city.
The individuals apprehended have been identified as Shiv Rajesh Bhosale, 21 years old, the manager, and Nikhil Rajendra Naik, 26 years old, the owner of Irene Spa. Both are residents of the NIBM and Phursungi areas respectively. They were allegedly operating a prostitution ring within the premises of the massage center, deceiving customers and exploiting vulnerable individuals under the facade of a legitimate spa business.
Assistant Police Sub-Inspector Chaya Jadhav from the AHTU filed the initial complaint at the Kondhwa Police Station, initiating the formal legal proceedings. The action was executed at 4 p.m. on Saturday, following a period of intelligence gathering and verification.
Law enforcement received a crucial tip-off indicating that Irene Spa, situated on the bustling NIBM Road, was involved in procuring women for prostitution. These women were reportedly coerced into the illegal trade with promises of higher earnings. To validate the information, police strategically deployed a decoy customer to the spa facility. Upon confirmation of the illicit activities, the raid was promptly executed, effectively dismantling the prostitution racket.
Investigations revealed that the spa owner and manager were allegedly profiting from the prostitution business, masking it as a legitimate spa service. The earnings from this illegal operation were their primary source of income. During the raid, authorities arrested both Bhosale and Naik and seized three mobile phones along with cash amounting to Rs 76,000, believed to be proceeds from the illicit activities at the Nibm Spa. Police Inspector Sheikh is currently spearheading the further investigation into the case, aiming to uncover the full extent of the operation and any potential wider network involved in this NIBM spa prostitution racket. This successful operation underscores the commitment of Pune Police to eradicate human trafficking and related crimes, ensuring safer communities and upholding the law.