In a sweeping crackdown against illegal activities being carried out under the guise of wellness services, law enforcement agencies across Punjab have intensified their surveillance and operations on spa and massage centers, uncovering a disturbing trend that reveals how several such establishments have become hubs for illicit practices. Over the past few weeks, authorities have launched a series of targeted raids that have exposed a parallel underworld operating behind polished glass doors and soothing music — a so-called “body market” that exploits both workers and vulnerable customers under the camouflage of relaxation and rejuvenation.
The crackdown, which is being led by district police units in coordination with specialized anti-trafficking and vice squads, was initiated after multiple complaints and intelligence inputs were received regarding the involvement of some spa centers in illegal flesh trade activities. According to senior police officials, several such establishments, especially in urban centers such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, and Mohali, have been operating beyond their declared scope, offering not only therapeutic services but also engaging in organized human trafficking and prostitution.
In Ludhiana alone, at least 12 spas were raided in the past week, and several arrests were made, including spa managers, receptionists, and alleged middlemen. The raids have been carried out under the supervision of senior officers who are taking stringent measures to ensure that no stone is left unturned in identifying the full scale of the operations. During some of the raids, authorities found surveillance jammers, multiple mobile phones used to coordinate with clients, and cash transactions that point toward illegal services being offered on demand.
Women, many of whom had been brought from states such as West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, and even neighboring countries, were found to be working under coercion. Initial interrogations revealed that some were lured with the promise of well-paying jobs in wellness centers but later forced into activities against their will. Their identities were often taken away or altered, and they were made to live in confined quarters on spa premises.
Police officials have also highlighted the challenges in tackling such a network due to the constantly evolving tactics of those operating these rackets. Many of the centers are registered under legitimate licenses, giving the appearance of legality. However, once customers are inside, different services are allegedly offered through coded language or trusted intermediaries. Several clients questioned during the raids confessed to being aware of such services and even mentioned specific apps or social media pages through which bookings were made discreetly.
One of the more shocking aspects of the ongoing investigation is the degree of digital sophistication used in managing these operations. Investigating officers found that some spa centers had separate hidden rooms and had installed CCTV systems that were controlled remotely or deleted in real-time to prevent evidence collection. Police teams are now working with cybercrime experts to recover deleted footage and trace digital payment trails that might lead to those financing and running these operations from behind the scenes.
State officials, including leaders from the Social Welfare Department and Women’s Commission, have expressed serious concern over the exploitation of women and the blatant misuse of legal wellness businesses. There is growing consensus that a new regulatory framework is required to monitor spa operations in the state, including real-time registration of employees, surprise inspections, and stringent background checks for owners and managers. These reforms are likely to be pushed forward as part of a larger campaign to safeguard public morality and protect vulnerable populations.
In addition to arrests, authorities have also begun the process of sealing spas found to be engaging in unlawful activities. These include prominent centers located in prime commercial zones, many of which catered to elite clientele. Local municipal bodies have been instructed to revisit the licensing of spa centers, and hundreds of license renewals are now under review.
Meanwhile, rehabilitation efforts for the rescued women are being coordinated with NGOs and government shelters. Many of them require not just a safe place to stay but also psychological counseling and vocational support to help them reenter society with dignity. The state’s Women and Child Welfare Department has announced that special funds will be allocated to help these women recover and rebuild their lives.
Civil society has also joined the call for more transparency and accountability. Several citizen groups and activists have raised the issue in public forums, demanding stricter scrutiny and awareness campaigns to ensure that wellness spaces do not become breeding grounds for exploitation. In recent days, social media has been abuzz with discussions about how easily such illegal activities were being carried out under the radar, and how society often turns a blind eye unless large-scale raids are conducted.
While police and investigative authorities have vowed to continue their operations with renewed vigor, they have also cautioned that this is just the tip of the iceberg. The real challenge lies in breaking the network of organized crime that fuels these operations — a network that includes financiers, recruiters, enablers, and customers alike. Investigators believe that until strong deterrents are in place, and until society collectively rejects such exploitation, the problem will continue to rear its head in new and more concealed forms.
The administration has made it clear that this campaign is not aimed at tarnishing genuine businesses but at safeguarding public health and safety. Wellness and spa centers, when operated ethically, play a vital role in promoting mental and physical well-being. However, those who misuse the industry for personal gain at the cost of human dignity must be dealt with sternly, authorities asserted.
In conclusion, the raids on spa centers have opened a much-needed debate on the state of moral policing, women’s safety, and regulation of service industries in Punjab. As more facts emerge and cases move toward prosecution, the state government has pledged to introduce policy reforms that will leave no room for such exploitation in the future. Law enforcement’s zero-tolerance approach sends a strong signal — that behind every door masked in serenity, there must not lurk a shadow of exploitation.