Pune police have busted a high-profile sex racket operating out of a lodge in Baner and a spa in Kondhwa, following coordinated raids by the city’s Crime Branch. The action, carried out on Tuesday, exposed an organised prostitution network that allegedly lured women with promises of money and employment before forcing them into sex work.
According to police, the crackdown followed specific intelligence inputs about illegal activities being conducted at two separate locations in the city. Acting on the tip-off, Crime Branch teams deployed decoy customers to verify the information before launching simultaneous raids.
In Baner, police raided a lodge located in the Laxman Nagar area, where prostitution was allegedly being run under the guise of accommodation services. During the operation, officers detained the lodge manager, identified as Prakash Gaikwad, aged 24. Several women were rescued from the premises, while cash and other materials linked to the illegal activity were seized.
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-22 at 9.38.32 AM
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-22 at 9.37.37 AM
Police said the accused had allegedly promised money to the women and later coerced them into prostitution. Cases have been registered under relevant sections of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and other applicable laws. The rescued women have been sent for medical examination and are being provided counselling and support, officials said.
In a parallel operation, the Crime Branch raided a spa operating in the Kondhwa area, where a similar racket was allegedly being run in the name of wellness and beauty services. The spa manager, identified as Wilson Swami, aged 39, was arrested from the spot. Police also seized cash amounting to ₹18,000 and other incriminating material during the raid.
Officials said five women were rescued from the Kondhwa spa. Preliminary investigations suggest that the spa was being used as a front to solicit customers and facilitate prostitution. The accused are believed to have operated the network by advertising discreet services and coordinating clients through intermediaries.
Senior police officers stated that both raids were conducted under the guidance of senior officials from the Crime Branch, and further investigation is underway to identify additional accused, including possible agents and financiers behind the racket. Police are also probing whether the two locations were linked as part of a larger organised network operating across Pune.
“The action was taken after careful verification of information. We are investigating the financial trail and the role of other individuals involved,” a senior Crime Branch officer said, adding that strict action would be taken against anyone found connected to the racket.
Police have urged citizens to report any suspicious activities related to illegal businesses, assuring that confidentiality will be maintained. The case has once again highlighted concerns over organised prostitution operating under the cover of legitimate businesses in urban areas, prompting calls for increased vigilance and regular inspections.
WhatsApp Image 2025-12-20 at 9.56.17 AM
