Pune Police busted a gang involved in human trafficking, operating under the guise of a spa centre in Kalyani Nagar on Friday, and rescued three women who were allegedly forced into prostitution. Regarding the matter, a case has been registered at the Yerawada Police Station.
The accused have been identified as Junaid Farukh Shaikh (currently absconding), Harshvardhan Singh Bharat Modasiya (22, a resident of Koregaon Park) and Asaful Islam Mujibur Rahman (23, from Assam).
According to the police, the arrests were made following a raid at Nidra Body Spa, located at Row House No. 3/24, Goodwill Enclave, Lane 9/A, Survey No. 209/4, Kalyani Nagar.
The spa owner, Junaid Farukh Shaikh, along with Harshvardhan Singh Bharat Modasiya and Asaful Islam Mujibur Rahman, allegedly lured women with false promises and forced them into the sex trade. The accused reportedly earned money through this illegal activity and used it for personal gain.
Vijay Thakar, Police Inspector (Crime) of Yerawada Police Station, speaking to The Free Press Journal, said, “Harshvardhan and Asaful were arrested on May 17. A total of Rs 25,000 worth of material was seized, including Rs 15,000 in cash, a mobile phone worth Rs 10,000, and four condoms. The owner, Junaid, is on the run and will be arrested soon. Further investigation is underway.”
Police registered a case under Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, and Sections 143 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Indian Penal Code).
