Bangalore city police have taken decisive action against illegal spas operating as fronts for flesh trade, invoking the stringent Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 against the accused. This move highlights the severity of the crimes committed, especially concerning the exploitation of vulnerable communities.
Recent investigations revealed that victims in at least two cases belonged to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. These women were deceptively recruited with promises of legitimate employment, only to be coerced into prostitution within these illegal establishments. City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda stated, “We have invoked the SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in addition to other relevant laws aimed at combating human trafficking,” underscoring the dual nature of the offenses – human trafficking and caste-based exploitation.
The crackdown on illegal spas in Bangalore follows a surge in such establishments across the city. These spas, often disguised as wellness centers, were found to be employing women therapists from various parts of India and neighboring countries, many of whom were forced into the flesh trade.
Since January, Bangalore police have intensified their efforts, conducting a series of raids targeting these illicit operations. To date, 21 cases have been registered, resulting in the rescue of 118 women. Furthermore, 39 individuals have been arrested for various violations related to these illegal spa activities.
Among the city’s divisions, Whitefield has emerged as a hotspot for illegal spas, accounting for the highest number of cases. The Whitefield division alone reported five cases, leading to the rescue of 22 women and the arrest of 11 individuals. This area has become a focal point for police and the Central Crime Branch (CCB) due to the proliferation of illegal spas.
A significant raid on January 9 targeted Nirvana International Spa in Mahadevapura’s Pai Layout. Conducted by the Women Protection Wing (WPW) of the CCB, this operation led to the rescue of 40 women originating from Thailand, Delhi, and other regions.
The spa owner, identified as Anil, was arrested and charged with operating a prostitution racket. Police investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of luring and coercing female employees into prostitution. Anil had also employed a substantial team of 20 to 25 individuals to manage the illegal business, including collecting payments from clients, a significant portion of whom were reportedly from the IT sector. These spa raids in Bangalore are part of an ongoing effort to dismantle human trafficking networks and protect vulnerable women from exploitation within the city’s illicit spa industry.