Major Crackdown: Guwahati Spa Salon Raids Bust Prostitution Racket

Guwahati, January 22, 2026 – In a significant crackdown on alleged illegal activities disguised as legitimate beauty services, Guwahati City Police have busted a prostitution racket operating through multiple unisex spa and salon establishments across the city. Coordinated raids conducted on January 20, 2026, targeted five prominent spa salons, leading to the arrest of 10 individuals and the rescue of 13 vulnerable women who were allegedly coerced into sexual exploitation.

The operation, hailed as a major success in combating hidden criminal networks preying on young women from rural areas, was carried out jointly by four police stations: Panbazar, Chandmari, Paltan Bazar, and Geetanagar. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central), DCP Shambhavi Mishra, addressed a press conference on January 22, detailing the findings and reiterating the police’s zero-tolerance stance on such crimes.

According to DCP Mishra, the Guwahati Police had been receiving persistent complaints and credible intelligence over an extended period about immoral activities being conducted under the cover of spa and beauty services. Acting on these inputs, officers launched surprise raids, uncovering concrete evidence of forced prostitution and exploitation at the targeted locations. “We have registered five separate cases, arrested 10 accused persons, and rescued 13 victims,” Mishra stated. “This is an ongoing investigation, and such illegal activities will not be tolerated under the watch of Guwahati Police.”

The raids focused on high-traffic commercial and residential areas, including Paltan Bazar, Chandmari, Panbazar, and Geetanagar. Investigators revealed a disturbing pattern: criminal syndicates were specifically targeting women aged 20-35 from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Assam and nearby regions. These women were lured with promises of employment in spa services but were subsequently coerced into providing sexual services to customers, often through threats, financial dependency, or deception.

In several instances, victims shared with investigators that they had entered the trade due to acute financial hardship, highlighting the socio-economic factors exacerbating vulnerability to exploitation. Police sources emphasized that rehabilitation efforts for the rescued women have already commenced, with support from relevant authorities to ensure their safety and reintegration.

Detailed Breakdown of the Raids and Arrests:

Panbazar Police Station (Case No. 29/2026): Raid at Bhargav Hair Beauty Spa and Unisex Salon resulted in the arrest of manager Manoj Kumar Dakua and owner Shanti Das. Three women victims were rescued from the premises.
Geetanagar Police Station (Case No. 7/2026): At Mou Spa Centre and Beauty Salon, five accused were detained, including manager Asami Sharma and four customers allegedly involved in the activities. Two victims were rescued.
Paltan Bazar Police Station (Case No. 21/2026): Bliss Spa and Unisex Salon in Manipuri Basti saw the arrest of owner Gyanendra Talukdar and one customer.
Paltan Bazar Police Station (Case No. 22/2026): Divya Beauty Studio in the same Manipuri Basti area led to the rescue of three women victims. The primary accused remains absconding, with active efforts underway to track and apprehend them.
Chandmari Police Station (Case No. 9/2026): Colours Spa and Beauty Salon in Rajgarh resulted in the arrest of owner Swapna Boro. (Note: Some reports mention additional detentions during this raid, including individuals caught in compromising situations and middlemen.)

Objectionable items linked to the illicit operations were seized from multiple sites, further strengthening the cases against the accused. The arrested individuals, including spa owners, managers, and customers, have been remanded to judicial custody pending further proceedings.

This Guwahati spa salon raids operation underscores the growing concern over establishments masquerading as wellness centers while facilitating organized exploitation. Authorities believe the network may extend beyond the raided locations, and the investigation is expanding to identify kingpins, financiers, and any broader syndicate involvement.

DCP Shambhavi Mishra made a strong public appeal: Citizens with information about similar suspicious spa or salon setups, or details regarding potential victims, are urged to report immediately to the Guwahati City Police. Prompt tips can aid in swift action, preventing further victimization and dismantling such rackets.

The Guwahati Police’s proactive measures send a clear message that the city will not serve as a safe haven for exploiters targeting vulnerable women. As the probe continues, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and support law enforcement in maintaining a safer urban environment.