Crackdown on Sex Rackets: Raids on spa centres and salons begins in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown on sex rackets, the Commissionerate Police has launched a special drive against flesh trade operating in the guise of spa centres, salons and massage parlours in the Capital city. The mega crackdown comes amidst the busting of a sex racket operating in a saloon near Ravi Talkies.

During his interaction with the media, Bhubaneswar DCP Pinak Mishra expressed Odisha government’s resolve to eradicate flesh trade being run in the guise of spa centres. All the police stations and IICs have been directed to take the matter seriously and conduct multiple raids at spa centres and saloons in their respective jurisdiction.

“An FIR has been filed with Badagad police station that a minor girl was forcibly engaged in a spa. They even assaulted her when she objected to it. We have taken the matter seriously and have arrested two people in this connection. I have directed all the police stations and IICs to check on such spas and salons and deal them with all seriousness,” informed DCP Pinak Mishra.

The crackdown will continue in the days to come. Acting on a tip off, a team of Badagada police recently raided ‘Diamond Salon and Spa’ and rescued two women. During the raid, the police laid its hands on several incriminating materials and arrested a youth in this connection. The matter came to the fore after locals heard the scream of the victim who was allegedly being subjected to physical torture and informed the police, adding that the survivor was forced into prostitution.

“Salons and spa centres have come up everywhere, like mushrooms in Bhubaneswar. Cops should check on the authenticity of their registration. On the pretext of jobs and good income, young girls are lured into these spa and salons. An exemplary punishment should be given so that no one dares to repeat such atrocious crime ever again,” demanded a social activist.