'Prostitution was spreading in the building'

Residents say massage parlour owner had rented out rooms in other floors of the building too

Investigations undertaken by the social service branch of the Mumbai police have revealed that the owner of the massage parlour which was being used as a front for a prostitution racket had rented other rooms in the same building to expand his flourishing 'business'.

Vasant Dhoble, assistant commissioner of police, said, "He had rented out two rooms each on the first and the fourth floors of the building."


The owner had been harassing the tenants of the building, after they complained to the police about the shady business

The probe team has also learnt that the owner had been harassing the tenants of the building, after they complained to the police about the shady business going on within the premises.

Acting on a tip-off, an SSB team had raided Haircool salon and beauty clinic at Fort, and rescued five women from the spot.

From the statements made by the rescued women, the police learnt that the deals were struck at the cashier's desk. Following this, the customers would be taken up to the rooms on the top floors.

"We are trying to trace the owner. Investigations are on," added Dhoble.

Residents claimed that they had earlier approached the local police, complaining about the obscene activities going on in the building. But no action was taken.

"The owner was on a campaign to open massage parlours on all floors of the building. He even threatened us," said a resident, requesting anonymity.

Local residents also claimed that the business was being conducted under tacit consent of senior police officials.

SSB officials are investigating the allegations made by the tenants, and have promised to take appropriate action.