In a significant operation, the Crime Branch of Bhopal Police detained 68 individuals from 15 spa centers across the state capital on Saturday night. The raids revealed that several establishments were allegedly operating under police protection and were involved in immoral activities. However, all detainees were released after being served notices.
The coordinated action involved 10 police teams targeting spa centers in various areas of the city. Among the 15 establishments inspected, four were found hosting unlawful activities, while 11 were closed at the time of the raid. The detained individuals included 35 women and 33 men, with three women identified as being from Nepal.
A particular focus of the operation was the Green Valley Spa in the Baghsevania area, where 22 women and 18 men were apprehended, marking the largest action of the night. Investigations revealed that most of the women detained were locals, while others hailed from outside the city. Police are scrutinizing the backgrounds of all involved.
The raids also exposed a concerning connection to law enforcement. A constable allegedly provided protection to the Green Valley Spa. Investigators are now analyzing the call detail records (CDRs) of both the constable and the spa’s operator, a woman, to establish the extent of their involvement.
Following the raid, the Crime Branch handed over the accused to the respective police stations, including MP Nagar, Kamla Nagar, and Baghsevania. The role of two policemen associated with the operations of the spa centers is under suspicion, with their CDRs also under scrutiny.
The raids targeted approximately 10 spa centers, uncovering five locations where sex rackets were being run under the guise of wellness services. However, operators at some establishments fled upon learning about the raids, evading immediate action. Police also visited a mall in the Misrod area, but all spa centers there were found closed.
Objectionable materials were recovered during the operation, particularly from the Mikasho Family Spa and Panchkarma Center in MP Nagar. Evidence suggests that these establishments operated an organized system where customers selected profiles of women shared via WhatsApp or other social media platforms. Profiles were reportedly sent to customers by brokers, and appointments were scheduled online. Customers were charged substantial amounts, with the revenue distributed between spa operators, brokers, and the women involved.
The detained women included individuals from diverse backgrounds, and authorities suspect some might be students. Police are working to verify their identities and addresses to uncover further details.
ACP Mukhtar Qureshi revealed that 41 spa centers have been identified in Bhopal, with reports of immoral activities being carried out in several of them. He assured that the Crime Branch would continue to take action against establishments engaging in such illegal practices.
The operation has highlighted the deep-rooted issues within the city’s spa industry, including the involvement of law enforcement officials. The Green Valley Spa in Baghsevania, in particular, has come under scrutiny for allegedly being operated under police protection. Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the alleged complicity and to hold those responsible accountable.
This crackdown underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to address illegal activities disguised as legitimate businesses. Authorities have vowed to continue monitoring and acting against such establishments to uphold the law and protect public welfare.
