Nagpur: Acting on a tip-off, the Social Security Branch (SSB) of Nagpur Crime Branch conducted a raid at Sparsh Salon Academy and Spa located at Laxmi Vihar Complex, Wardha Road, on November 29 between 5:15 PM and 10:10 PM and uncovered a prostitution racket being operated under the guise of a body massage parlor.

The accused, identified as Manoj alias Raja Ramesh Bandewar (24), a resident of Flat No. 101, Laxmi Vihar Apartment, Wardha Road, was apprehended during the operation. According to the police, Bandewar lured women and girls with monetary promises and coerced them into prostitution by providing a venue for the illegal activity.

During the operation, four women victims were rescued. The police seized items worth ₹31,605 from the accused. He was arrested and a case was registered against him under Section 143(3) of the BNS along with Sections 4, 5, and 7 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, at the Sonegaon Police Station.

The raid was conducted under the guidance of Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal, Joint Police Commissioner Nisar Tamboli, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sanjay Patil, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rahul Makanikar, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Abhijeet Patil. 

The operation was executed by Police Inspector Ravindra Naikwade and the Anti-Extortion Cell team, including officers Shivaji Nanaware, Sheshrao Raut, Ashwin Mange, Nitin Wasne, Kunal Masram, and Lata Gawai, with government vehicle driver Punam Shende.

The timely intervention has prevented further exploitation, and investigations are ongoing.