Pune, 15 December 2025: Police have intensified their crackdown on illegal activities in the city, leading to the exposure of a sex racket operating from a lodge near Bopdev Ghat in the Yevalewadi area. The operation was carried out by Kondhwa Police, who rescued two women and arrested two accused.
According to police officials, the illegal activity was being run from Hotel Sai Balaji Lodging located on Yeolewadi–Saswad Road, at the foothills of Bopdev Ghat. The lodge owner, Ravi Chhote Gowda (46), along with an employee, Sachin Prakash Kale (40), allegedly lured women from other states and forced them into prostitution for financial gain.
From the outside, the lodge appeared to function like a regular accommodation facility, but investigations revealed illegal activities inside.
The police action followed a tip-off received by Police Constable Amol Hirve during routine patrolling. Acting on the information, a trap was laid under the guidance of Senior Police Inspector Kumar Ghadge and Assistant Inspector Afroz Pathan. A decoy customer was sent to the lodge to verify the complaint. Once it was confirmed that prostitution was taking place, the police team conducted a raid.
During the raid, two women were safely rescued. Preliminary investigation revealed that both victims were residents of West Bengal. The lodge owner and the staff member were arrested on the spot.
A case has been registered against the accused under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (PITA). The court has remanded both accused to police custody until December 15. Further investigation is underway to determine whether more people are involved in the racket.
