“Inter-District, Possibly Inter-State Racket”: ASP After Lotus Spa Raid

Cachar Police on Thursday night (June 25) busted an alleged prostitution racket operating from two spa centres at Imperial Mall on Club Road and detained 28 women during a raid. Police also took the owners of the two establishments into custody and seized cash along with items suspected to be linked to immoral activities.

According to police, the operation was carried out after receiving specific intelligence about alleged illegal activities at Lovely Spa and Lotus Spa, both located on the top floor of the building. Officials said 21 women were found at Lovely Spa and seven at Lotus Spa during the raid.

Speaking to the media, Additional Superintendent of Police Rajat Kumar Pal said police recovered cash and several items believed to be connected to immoral activities from the premises. He identified Puja Das as the person running Lovely Spa and Hirak Debnath as the person managing Lotus Spa. Both have been taken into custody, while some other suspects reportedly managed to flee during the raid.

Police have registered a case numbered 584/26 under Sections 318(4), 296, 132, 270 and 112(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. An investigation is underway to identify others who may have been involved in the alleged racket.

ASP Pal said preliminary findings suggest that most of the women are not from Cachar. According to him, several are from Jorhat, Sonitpur and Kamrup districts, while one woman is believed to be from Dimapur. He said this raises suspicion that the alleged racket may have operated across districts and possibly across state borders.

Police further stated that none of the women claimed to be minors and that the documents examined so far indicate they are all above the legal age. However, officials said the verification process is continuing as part of the investigation.

The raid drew a large crowd outside Imperial Mall after news of the operation spread. Local residents gathered at the spot and protested against the alleged illegal activities. Police personnel intervened and brought the situation under control. Authorities said the investigation is continuing and more arrests may follow as they examine records and identify other individuals connected to the case.