Nagpur: The Social Security Branch (SSB) of the Crime Branch busted a sex racket being operated under the guise of a salon at Gondwana Chowk in Nagpur. The action, carried out between 6:05 pm on July 25 and 1:55 am on July 26, resulted in the rescue of five women and the arrest of two persons. One accused is currently absconding. The case has been registered at Sadar Police Station under FIR No. 453/2025, invoking Sections 143(2)(3) of the BNS along with Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Prevention of Immoral Traffic Act (PITA), 1956.
The raid was conducted at Kopper Salon, located in Akar Building No. 19/4 near Gondwana Chowk. Acting on a tip-off, the SSB team raided the premises and found that commercial sexual exploitation was being carried out under the pretext of salon services. Five women, suspected to be victims of sex trafficking, were rescued from the spot.
Among those arrested are Ashish Singh Durga Singh Thakur (43), a resident of Nikhira Apartment, New Colony, Sadar, and Sangeeta Pradeep Bhimte (44), a resident of the Christian Cemetery area behind Ginger Mall in Jaripatka. The third accused, Vivek Durga Singh Thakur (36) of Jafar Nagar, has been declared absconding and is being searched for by the police.
During the raid, police seized material and evidence collectively worth ₹1,24,780. The seized items include one DVR estimated at ₹3,000, condom packets worth ₹10, ₹5,500 in cash, a Vivo mobile phone worth ₹15,000, an Oppo mobile worth ₹10,000, an Apple iPhone valued at ₹90,000, three register books worth ₹270, and another ₹6,500 in cash.
Following the operation, the rescued women and the accused were sent for medical examination. All documents and seized materials have been handed over to Sadar Police Station for further investigation. Officials believe that this bust could reveal a wider network involved in sex trafficking in the city.
The operation was led by PI Rahul Shire of the SSB, supported by WHC Arti Chouhan, NPC Sheshrao Raut, and police constables Ashwin Mange, Kunal Masram, Sameer Sheikh, and WPC Poonam Shende. Police sources confirmed that further investigations are ongoing to trace the absconding accused and uncover any additional links.
