Nagpur: In a disturbing trend that highlights the growing misuse of wellness centres, the Social Security Branch (SSB) of Nagpur Crime Branch has busted as many as 30 sex rackets in the city over the past 15 months. Of these, 25 were exposed in 2024 alone, while five have already been cracked in the first quarter of 2025.
The latest crackdown took place on April 4, when the SSB unearthed a prostitution racket being run from an OYO hotel located at Achraj Tower on Katol Road in the Sadar area.
According to police data, more than 50% of the busted rackets — 16 out of 30 — were being run under the cover of spas and salons. This revelation has not only raised concerns about the misuse of wellness businesses but also cast a shadow on the credibility of legitimate spa operators in the city.
SSB Police Inspector Kavita Isarkar, who is leading the ongoing crackdown, emphasized the urgent need for regulatory reforms in the spa and salon sector. “We are witnessing a sharp increase in sex rackets being operated from so-called spas. These setups often lure women from economically weaker backgrounds into illegal activities punishable under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act,” she said.
PI Isarkar further noted that genuine wellness centres must hire trained professionals and obtain proper licenses for therapeutic services. “However, most of these establishments function under shop and establishment licenses, bypassing essential approvals from relevant departments. This loophole must be addressed through stricter licensing norms and regulatory oversight,” she added.
Flesh Trade Moves Into Posh Localities:
Traditionally restricted to the outskirts, the flesh trade is now expanding into upscale neighbourhoods in the city. Racketeers are increasingly renting flats and running operations from spas and salons in prime localities. Despite growing concerns from local residents, complaints have often gone unaddressed, allowing such illegal activities to continue unabated.
PI Isarkar also clarified recent queries around hotel check-in rules. Referring to the Meerut check-in policy, she said, “Such instructions were issued by the state government there. However, as per Supreme Court guidelines, two consenting adults can check into a hotel — it is their personal right.”
The SSB team, comprising WHC Aarti Chawhan, NPC Sheshrao Raut, and police constables Ashwin Mange, Sameer Sheikh, Kunal Masram, and Nitik Wasnik, has been instrumental in conducting these successful raids and rescuing several women trapped in prostitution rackets.
