Pune: “My 76-year-old mother and two kids are waiting for me in Thailand. I am divorced and my whole family is dependent on me. I came here to earn some money but didn’t know I will end up like this in a remand home. I need to go back otherwise my family will be devastated,” said 25-year-old Nima (name changed) from Thailand, who was rescued by police during a raid at Inaz Spa on June 30 in Chatuhshringi police station area.
Nima and nine other young women from Thailand were rescued from Inaz and Shiva Spa in Chatuhshringi and Sanghvi in June and July. Although these women were rescued, they have been given detention for one year by the Pimpri court recently, which means they cannot go back to Thailand for at least a year.
According to police records, more than 35 Thai women have been rescued in Maharashtra from Pune and Mumbai in the last eight months.
Rise in spa culture
Dr PM Nair, Chair Professor of Tata Institute of Social Sciences and a former IPS officer who is an expert on human trafficking, said, “There is a huge influx of Thai girls in such cities due to rising culture of spa and massage parlours.”
“However, in disguise of spa centres, these girls are duped into the business of flesh trade by the locals indulging in prostitution. There is a demand, which is why these girls are trafficked,” he added.
Spa or sex centres?
One of the girls, Gamon (name changed), claims to be the girlfriend of the owner of Inaz Spa Aniket Jagdale who was arrested by police but was later released on bail.
She said, “I met him when I used to work at a spa in Koregaon Park. He told me that he is going to marry me and took my help in opening his spa after which some more girls were called from Thailand.”
According to the information available with Sakal Times, these girls came to India on Business and Tourist visas. They were given salary of Rs 25,000 per month with food and
accommodation.
They were also given 5 per cent commission for each customer along with Rs 200 per hour.
Doing our best: Police
Sanjay Patil, Police Inspector, Social Security Cell, said, “Thai girls have been rescued for the first time in Pune. But yes this business is going on from a long time by the people who run flesh trade in the name of massage centres.”
He added these girls have been given detention by the court for one year, but we are in discussion with the Thai embassy to repatriate them.
Shiny Padiyara, Superintendent, Rescue Foundation, which works against human trafficking, said, “These girls are duped into prostitution by the traffickers who are running illegal spas without a license. They should be given severe punishment but they come out on bail within a month.”
An official of Thailand embassy on condition of anonymity said, “The Royal Thai Consulate-General is constantly in touch with the authorities and is doing their best possible for the fast repatriation of girls.”