Pune: Four Women Rescued From Prostitution Racket At Wakad Spa
Wakad, 3rd May 2024: The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Pimpri Chinchwad conducted a successful rescue operation, rescuing four women who were lured into prostitution. The operation entailed a surprise raid at a spa in Wakad, resulting in the rescue of three women from Maharashtra and one from another state. The raid took place on Wednesday (1st May), at The VEDA Spa in Bhumkar Chowk, Wakad, around 8:20 PM.
Following the rescue operation, Police Constable Bhagwanta Muthe filed a complaint at the Hinjawadi Police Station. A case has been registered against Spa Manager Rushikesh Nikalje (24 years old, resident of Kiwale), Spa Owner Ganesh Ghewde (35 years old, resident of Mahalunge, Khed), and Spa Owner Ritesh (32 years old, address and full name unknown). Hinjawadi Police have arrested Spa Manager Nikalje.
According to AHTU Police Inspector Devendra Chavan, the AHTU received information from a confidential source indicating that prostitution activities were occurring at the VEDA Spa in Bhumkar Chowk, under the jurisdiction of the Hinjawadi Police Station. Acting on this tip-off, the AHTU team conducted a raid at the spa in collaboration with the Hinjawadi Police. During the operation, it was discovered that four women, three from Maharashtra and one from West Bengal, were being coerced into prostitution for the financial gain of three accused individuals.
Hinjawadi Police have registered a case against the three accused under IPC Sections 370 (3) (trafficking of persons for exploitation) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), along with relevant sections of The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. Assistant Police Inspector Mahale of the Hinjawadi Police Station is spearheading further investigations into this matter.
