38 illegal spas sealed after minor's rape exposes trafficking ring
GORAKHPUR, Jan. 30 -- Police sealed 38 spa centres across Gorakhpur, Basti and Deoria districts after the alleged gang rape of a minor exposed a trafficking network operating through illegal wellness centres.
In late-night raids on Wednesday, authorities shut down 30 centres in Gorakhpur and four each in Basti and Deoria districts. The operation followed an investigation that uncovered widespread irregularities and alleged trafficking networks operating as wellness centres.
Earlier, SSP Raj Karan Nayar had suspended seven police personnel, including the Gorakhnath SHO and six outpost officers, over the initial handling of the case.
SP City Abhinav Tyagi said verification in Gorakhpur identified 30 centres allegedly involved in human trafficking. Five suspects have been arrested while three others remain at large.
In Basti, under "Operation Raksha," 14 young women were rescued from four spa centres following intelligence reports of alleged immoral activities. SP Basti Abhinandan confirmed the women were sent for medical examinations and counselling.
In Deoria, police sealed Hotel Shivansh in Baitalpur and registered FIRs against 10 individuals. CO Hari Ram Yadav said the hotel manager, an Aligarh re sident, allegedly ran a prostitution racket through online bookings.
Notably, the survivor was lured by someone she contacted on social media and left her home under Gorakhnath police station jurisdiction on January 5. She was traced to a hotel on January 20, where she was allegedly sexually assaulted before being moved between several spa centres.
Three suspects, Dhirendra Singh, Adarsh and Ankit Pandey, were arrested on January 24 after the victim's mother filed a complaint and the SP city intervened.
The minor victim is receiving medical care and psychological support. Legal proceedings are underway under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act as the investigation continues, police said....
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