Massive ‘Operation Spa’ in Gujarat: 851 Raids, 152 Accused, 105 Arrested, 27 Spa-Hotel Licenses Revoked

In response to directives from the Minister of State for Home, Mr. Harsh Sanghvi, conveyed through a video conference, the Gujarat Police has initiated a comprehensive crackdown on prostitution activities concealed under the facade of spa centers, commercial buildings, and hotels throughout the state. This targeted operation aims to eliminate unlawful prostitution operations and maintain the integrity of the state.

Under the ambit of this specialized initiative, multiple teams comprising law enforcement officials from the Gujarat Police have conducted raids at a staggering 851 locations across the state within a single day. These concerted efforts exemplify the government’s unwavering commitment to enforcing the law and safeguarding the welfare of its citizens.

Stringent Police Action Results in 103 FIRs and 105 Arrests, as 27 Spa and Hotel Licenses Are Revoked Statewide

In a resolute response to the pervasive issue of prostitution activities operating under the cover of spa centers and hotels, law enforcement authorities in the state have initiated robust legal measures. A total of 103 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against 152 accused, drawn from various regions across the state, in the wake of extensive police efforts to revoke the licenses of 27 spas and hotels.

Official Notification – Cessation of Illegal Activities Following Minister of State for Home Affairs’ Directives

On October 17, the esteemed Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mr. Harsh Sanghvi, conducted a video-conference involving all Superintendents of Police, Range Officers, Commissioners of Police, Joint Commissioners of Police, and Deputy Commissioners of Police, wherein he issued stringent instructions aimed at addressing the matter of illegal spas and prostitution activities across the state.

In line with these instructions, it is hereby notified that, as of October 18, a series of concerted raids have been initiated targeting suspected centers engaging in such illicit activities. This proactive course of action is indicative of the government’s unwavering commitment to enforce the law and ensure the safety, well-being, and integrity of our state and its residents.

Gujarat Police Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Prostitution Disguised as Spa Services

In a proactive and determined effort to combat illegal prostitution activities that have been operating under the guise of spa services, Gujarat police units have been issued strict directives to take effective legal action. Following this mandate, a coordinated series of raids were conducted by zone-wise police teams, the Crime Branch, Special Operations Group (SOG) Mahila Cell, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), and the Indian Union for Child Welfare (IUCAW) in various cities, including Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, and Surendranagar.

The operations have revealed a significant number of cases within Surat, with 50 separate locations being subjected to rigorous scrutiny and intervention. Similar actions were undertaken in Rajkot, resulting in extensive raids at 50 spa establishments. Additionally, disturbing findings emerged when it was discovered that sex trade was occurring under the guise of spa services within a society located on Old Padra Road in Vadodara. In a laudable intervention, four individuals, who were victims of prostitution, were liberated from this illicit activity, and one person has been apprehended, while another remains at large.

The administrators involved in these unlawful activities were reportedly extorting exorbitant sums, collecting between 4000 to 5000 rupees from each customer. These actions not only underscore the gravity of the issue at hand but also serve as a testament to the unyielding commitment of law enforcement authorities to uphold the law and protect the community from such illicit practices.

Coordinated Raids in Surat Uncover Over 50 Cases of Illegal Prostitution Under the Facade of Spas

In an assertive response to the proliferation of illegal prostitution activities disguised as spa services, city and district police units in Surat have received explicit instructions to take decisive legal action. A dedicated and concerted effort was made in Surat, where specialized teams were assembled and meticulously executed a series of planned raids.

The teams, drawn from various police units including Zone-1 to 6, the Crime Branch, the Special Operations Group (SOG) Mahila Cell, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), and the Indian Union for Child Welfare (IUCAW), conducted well-coordinated raids on locations where illegal prostitution activities were suspected to be taking place under the guise of spas. This large-scale operation resulted in more than 50 cases being unveiled and addressed within a single day.

Successful Police Operation Rescues Four Girls from Prostitution in Vadodara

In strict adherence to the directives issued by the City Police Commissioner to combat malpractices in Vadodara, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) and the Zone 2 Local Crime Branch (LCB) team have taken swift and effective action. The operation was conducted in a ragged shantytown located in a residential area on Old Padra Road in the city, resulting in the liberation of four young girls from the clutches of prostitution.

The swift and resolute intervention of law enforcement authorities has yielded commendable results, with one individual arrested, and another declared as a wanted person. These actions underscore the unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the welfare of the community.

Furthermore, in a concerted effort to enforce the law, the AHTU has also taken action against two spa operators for their breach of notification, reinforcing the government’s determination to eliminate illegal activities under the guise of spa services.

Kootankha Seized from Residential Area in Vadodara

In a significant operation, the Zone 2 Local Crime Branch (LCB) squad received vital information pertaining to the activities of an individual named Vipul Goswami, residing at Shantikunj Society, No. 7, Atreya Bungalow, Ward No. 6, located near the Old Padra Road in Vadodara. It was discovered that Mr. Goswami, for his own financial gain, had been inviting girls from outside the state and housing them in his residence along with willing young men and women. Subsequently, he was allegedly involved in running a prostitution business, charging a fee ranging from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,000 for each girl.

Successful Police Operation Rescues Four Girls and Leads to Legal Action Against Traffickers

In response to a registered complaint at the local police station, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) and Zone 2 Local Crime Branch (LCB) team, led by Police-Inspector Dr. B.B. and Patel, conducted a determined operation. This operation culminated in the rescue of four girls from the clutches of prostitution.

The rescued girls had fallen victim to the exploitative and illegal sex trade, which was carried out under the auspices of traffickers. One such trafficker, Mohammad Saifuddin Kamaruddin, formerly a resident of Reh-Sadar House, Kelbari, Sampara, Beldanga, West Bengal, was apprehended in the operation. Legal actions have been initiated against him, in accordance with Sections 3, 4, and 5 of The Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act 1956, along with IPC Sections 144 and 188. This decisive action reinforces the government’s commitment to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals.

However, Vipul Goswami, another involved party, has been declared as wanted and efforts are underway to bring him to justice. The pursuit of Mr. Goswami demonstrates law enforcement’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

Coordinated Raids in Rajkot Target 50 Spas, Unsettling Spa Managers

In a resolute and coordinated effort to address the issue of illegal activities concealed within spa establishments, the Rajkot police have taken decisive action. Separate teams were formed by the police, and a synchronized raid was carried out across 50 spas operating within the city.

This proactive operation led to a palpable sense of unease among spa managers, who were subjected to thorough scrutiny during the checks. It is evident that such actions have disrupted the operations of those engaged in unlawful activities under the guise of spa services.

Furthermore, it has come to light through reliable sources that the raid operations are anticipated to continue in the future. This sustained effort reinforces the government’s commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring the welfare of the community.