Gurgaon: A Jharsa resident and his wife have been apprehended in connection with an alleged trafficking network that came to light during a crackdown on suspected illegal activities at spa centres at a mall in Sector 90. The network allegedly used websites, WhatsApp, paying guest (PG) accommodations, guest houses and vehicles to facilitate the racket.The development followed questioning of a woman rescued during a six-hour operation at spa centres at Sapphire 90 Mall on Friday night. Based on information provided by her, police apprehended Sahil and his wife. Investigators are probing their alleged role and links with a network of 10-12 associates.Police said preliminary investigation indicated that Sahil operated websites and used WhatsApp for communication. Investigators are also examining whether premises and vehicles linked to him were used to accommodate or transport women and whether the alleged network extended beyond the city.The woman also allegedly told investigators that she had been forcibly confined at premises in Jharsa while she was a minor. Police are verifying the disclosure and checking whether other women or minors were similarly confined or exploited.“Based on the information provided by the victim, we followed up on the same syndicate, and its modus operandi came to light. We found that such activities were also taking place at PGs,” said the nodal officer for Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, ACP Abhilaksh Joshi.Acting on the leads, police conducted a joint raid at a PG in Sector 38 on Saturday night under Joshi’s supervision and in the presence of Haryana State Commission for Women chairperson Usha Priyadarshini. Eight women and 13 men, including foreigners, were found at the premises and taken for questioning.“Their registration is being checked, and legal action will be taken against them under the Foreigners Act if any irregularities are detected,” Joshi said.Police said evidence, including mobile phones and diaries, was recovered from the premises. “Physical evidence has been found which proves that a sex racket was being run here along with drug activities,” Joshi said.A fresh FIR under applicable provisions of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and Foreigners Act is being registered at Sadar police station. Police are also checking the immigration status and backgrounds of the foreigners and their possible links with the suspected network.During Friday night’s operation, police checked around 18 spa centres in the Sector 90 mall and found eight allegedly operating as fronts for illegal activities. Around 30 women and 20 men were questioned.
