Nagpur: The Crime Branch has busted an alleged sex racket operating at Grapes Spa and Salon in Acharaj Tower in the Chhaoni area under Sadar police station limits. Three women were rescued and a 22-year-old employee was arrested during a joint raid by the Social Security Branch (SSB) and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) at around 5 pm on Saturday.

The arrested accused has been identified as Hardik Nagpure, a resident of Gangabag Road in Pardi. Police have named the spa owner, Gunjan Asare of Trimurti Nagar, and manager Annu Zamir as the other alleged suspects. Both are absconding, and efforts are underway to trace them.

According to police, a Crime Branch patrolling team received confidential information that sexual services were allegedly being offered to customers at the spa. Acting on the tip-off, the SSB and AHTU teams raided the premises.

During the operation, Nagpure was allegedly caught facilitating prostitution. Preliminary investigations indicated that he was operating the racket at the behest of the spa owner and manager, police said.

Investigators suspect that the accused lured women with promises of earning substantial amounts of money in a short period and pushed them into prostitution.

₹52,030 worth of cash and valuables seized

The police rescued three women from the premises and seized cash worth ₹2,000, mobile phones and other items. The total value of the seized property has been estimated at ₹52,030.

A case has been registered at Sadar police station under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (PITA) and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Nagpure has been arrested, while the search for the absconding owner and manager continues.

The operation was conducted under the guidance of Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil and senior officers by a team led by Police Inspector Darshan Patil and Assistant Police Inspector Mousami Katre. Further investigation is underway.