The operation came to light after Pune Police raided the 24 Thai Spa in Baner, following credible intelligence about illegal activities at the location. The raid, conducted at around 8:15 p.m. under the direction of Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, resulted in the rescue of two women who were being forced into prostitution. The spa, located in the Town Building, was being used as a front for the sex racket.
The accused, Siraj Chaudhary (55) and his son Vasim, operated a vernacular news portal. They allegedly used their media credentials to blackmail spa and massage centre owners, threatening to expose them unless they complied with their demands. Vasim, who owns the property where the spa operates, reportedly visited other establishments under the pretense of journalism, using spy cameras to record videos and intimidate owners.
The duo would introduce themselves as journalists, leveraging their news portal for credibility. They used covert recordings and threats of negative publicity to blackmail women and spa owners. Victims were intimidated and compelled to engage in prostitution under threat of exposure or false reporting. The investigation revealed that the father-son duo had connections extending beyond Pune, with Siraj previously arrested in Thane for a separate rape case.
The Baner police, led by Senior Inspector Chandrashekhar Sawant, booked Vasim and three others, including spa operator Deepak Chavan and two women, under relevant sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. Siraj was already in custody in Thane for another serious offense.
The property owner, Vasim, had rented the premises to Deepak, who allegedly managed the day-to-day operations of the illegal racket. The swift police response and coordinated raid underscore the authorities’ commitment to cracking down on human trafficking and exploitation in the city.
Previous raids in Baner have exposed similar rackets, with women from various parts of the country lured or coerced into the sex trade. In 2021, Pune police rescued eight women from another spa in the area, highlighting the ongoing challenge of tackling organized exploitation under the cover of legitimate businesses.
The arrests have sparked outrage and concern among local residents and business owners. The misuse of journalistic identity for criminal gain has also raised questions about regulatory oversight of media credentials and the need for stricter verification. Police have urged citizens to report suspicious activities and have reiterated their commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
