PUNE: In a major crackdown on human trafficking, the Crime Branch Unit 4 of Pune City Police raided a massage parlour in Aundh on Saturday, rescuing nine girls, including four Thai nationals, who were trapped in a prostitution racket.

During the operation, police arrested Rikbul Hussain Abu Hussain (26) from Assam, along with the parlour’s cashier, spa manager, and others involved in the illegal activities.

The rescued women include four from Thailand, four from Maharashtra, and one from Gujarat, according to police officials.

Investigations revealed that the accused were operating a prostitution racket under the guise of a spa and massage parlour, coercing the women into illicit activities.

The rescue operation was part of an ongoing effort to combat human trafficking and exploitation in the city.

A case has been registered at Chatuhshringi Police Station under sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA), and sections 143 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals linked to the racket.