Police busts prostitution racket running under guise of spa in Barasat, arrests 15 people

Police in Barasat have busted a prostitution racket that was allegedly operating for a long time under the guise of a spa located in a residential complex in the Kazipara area on Jessore Road. Following a confidential tip-off, the Ashoknagar Police Station initiated a raid, leading to the apprehension of multiple individuals involved in the illegal operation. The raid has caused a stir in the Barasat area, where the spa was situated near the Regent Garments factory and other shops.

Local residents had long suspected illegal activities, noting the frequent, yet non-local, movement of men and women at the spa. They also complained that the spa strangely restricted the entry of locals while allowing outsiders free access. Based on a written complaint filed a few days prior at the Ashoknagar Police Station, the police acted decisively. Inspector-in-Charge Chintamoni Naskar led the police team to the spa center around 7 PM on Sunday evening.

The operation resulted in the detention of at least 15 men and women who were caught red-handed. The police have arrested Israil Sheikh, the manager of the spa, on charges of running the illegal racket. The detained individuals were handed over to the Barasat Police Station, and the police are now investigating whether the arrested manager is part of a larger syndicate, searching for any "bigger heads" behind the operation. Durbar Bandopadhyay, Additional Superintendent of Barasat Police District, confirmed the detentions and stated that the entire matter is under thorough investigation.