Citizens flag alleged illegal spa rackets across Hyderabad

Residents allege that some massage centres in Hyderabad’s prime areas are operating as brothels, causing discomfort to office workers and women. Police say action is taken when complaints are received and have urged citizens to report illegal activities.

Hyderabad: While the State has created special Anti-Human Trafficking wings across Telangana to curb child and women trafficking, the teams seem to be doing little to effectively tackle organised prostitution in the tri-commissionerates, citizens point out.

Right under the nose of the police in several prime areas such as Banjara Hills, Punjagutta, Ameerpet, Jubilee Hills, Gachibowli, Kukatpally, Kondapur, Himayatnagar, Malakpet, Dilsukhnagar, and Secunderabad, many massage centres turn into brothels, causing immense problems to building occupants.

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For the fear of being targeted, people working in corporate offices, firms and coaching institutes, in commercial buildings, do not openly complain and continue to suffer. “Visitors to the brothels glare at the women who move around in the building. Due to fear, the women do not go out for a tea break. Do you think the police are unaware of it?” complained Suresh Kumar (name changed), who works as an office executive in a building at Banjara Hills Road No 12.

Another man at Punjagutta pointed out multiple massage centres run from a building on Somajiguda Road. “The visitors to the place pass vulgar comments on women. For fear of being targeted, we do not protest,” he said.

Until now, the masseurs employed were women from Indian States, but now a few spa owners are arranging foreign women for the service. The business is only growing as the organisers have tied up with advertising agencies to promote their business and also extend special offers by cutting down the price of services, albeit due to tough competition.

“When you scroll down any social media app, say Facebook or Instagram, you find several advertisements openly luring people. Such open enticement towards vices on social media is a dangerous trend. Scores of young boys use social media platforms,” said Sharmila, a parent (name changed).

When contacted, an official of the Hyderabad police said that they conduct raids and register cases whenever they get complaints or tip off about such illegal activities. “If people have information about such activities, they can dial 100 or call the DCP of the concerned zone,” said the official.