Mumbai police on Tuesday rescued seven young girls allegedly involved in flesh trade, during a raid in a massage parlour in eastern suburb of Powai.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Vasant Dhoble raided the parlour in wee hours of Tuesday night and arrested the owner, Manohar Thakur, for investigation.
Talking to the ANI, the ACP of Social Service branch confirmed the raid.
"We rescued seven girls in the raid and have arrested Manohar Thakur, the owner of massage parlour," he said.
Dhoble said that the owner was supposedly working with various media organizations and was involved in forcing girls in to prostitution for a specific handsome amount.
"During the investigation, we found out that he was a reporter with eight to ten newspapers," he said.
The officer also said "the girls who were employed for massage services were also provided for the prostitution." "A specific rate was quoted for the girls and were sent away," he added.
According to the police, the 65-year-old owner of the massage parlor has been booked under the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking (PITA) act for illegally trafficking females and forcing them into prostitution.
Reportedly, the rescue maneuver was part of the ongoing operation against flesh trade, which is highly prevalent in the city. Prostitution is a thriving business in Mumbai, especially in the red-light centers of the city.
The rescued girls are being sent for medical investigation and later will be sent to remand homes.
ACP Dhoble had earlier busted several such illegal businesses at local parlours, dance bars and private parties.
