Nagpur: In a major revelation that exposes the dark underbelly of the city’s wellness industry, the Social Security Branch (SSB) of Nagpur Crime Branch has busted 30 sex rackets over the past 15 months. Startlingly, 25 of these were cracked in 2024 alone, while five have already been unearthed in the first quarter of 2025.
The most recent raid took place on April 4, when a prostitution racket operating out of an OYO hotel at Achraj Tower on Katol Road, Sadar, was exposed by the SSB team.
As per police records, 16 of the 30 busted rackets were camouflaged as spas and salons — a trend that has raised serious concerns about the misuse of legitimate wellness businesses and the lack of strict monitoring mechanisms.
SSB Police Inspector Kavita Isarkar, who is spearheading the drive against these illegal operations, called for stringent regulatory reforms in the spa sector. “We have seen a consistent rise in prostitution rackets being run from so-called spas. Women from modest backgrounds are often lured into these operations, which are punishable under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act,” she said.
Highlighting the loopholes in the system, PI Isarkar pointed out that many such establishments operate only on basic shop and establishment licenses and do not obtain the necessary approvals for offering therapeutic services. “Strict guidelines and effective enforcement are essential to ensure professionalism and prevent misuse,” she added.
Flesh Trade Penetrates Prime Locations in Nagpur
Police investigations have also revealed that sex rackets are no longer confined to the city’s outskirts. Posh areas are now becoming hotspots for illegal flesh trade, with racketeers operating out of rented flats, spas, and salons. Despite repeated complaints from residents, many such operations continue unchecked.
Responding to questions about hotel policies, PI Isarkar clarified that the check-in policy followed in Meerut was specific to that state’s orders. “As per the Supreme Court, two consenting adults are legally allowed to check into any hotel. It is their personal right,” she stated.
The recent busts were executed by the SSB team led by PI Kavita Isarkar, along with WHC Aarti Chawhan, NPC Sheshrao Raut, and PCs Ashwin Mange, Sameer Sheikh, Kunal Masram, and Nitik Wasnik. The team has not only exposed several rackets but has also rescued multiple women from exploitative conditions.
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