Thane Court Acquits Spa Manager in Prostitution and Trafficking Case
A sessions court in Thane has acquitted a spa manager who was accused of operating a prostitution racket and trafficking women, citing a significant lack of evidence and the prosecution's failure to establish the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The verdict, delivered by Additional Sessions Judge GT Pawar on January 28, 2026, highlights critical shortcomings in the investigation and legal proceedings.
Background of the Case
The case originated on December 9, 2020, when the Anti-Human Trafficking Cell of the Thane police conducted a raid at the Spa Naturopathy and Hypnosis Centre in the Kopari area. Acting on a tip-off that alleged prostitution activities were taking place on the premises, police arrested the manager the following day, claiming he supplied women for sexual services in exchange for money.
Prosecution's Evidence and Court Observations
During the trial, the prosecution presented five witnesses, including a police informant, a decoy customer, panch witnesses, and investigating officers. However, the court noted a crucial gap: none of the alleged victims were examined to substantiate charges of trafficking or prostitution. Statements recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) indicated that the women provided massage and acupressure services and did not report any coercion or sexual exploitation.
Judge Pawar emphasized that essential elements required to invoke Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), such as recruitment, coercion, inducement, or exploitation, were not proven. Additionally, there was insufficient material to establish that the accused managed a brothel, lived off the earnings of prostitution, or procured women for sexual exploitation under the Prevention of Immoral Traffic Act (PITA).
Court's Ruling and Final Orders
In the judgment, the court stated, "The prosecution failed to establish that the victims were trafficked or forced into prostitution," granting the accused the benefit of doubt and acquitting him of all charges. The court also ordered the disposal of seized electronic devices and cash according to standard procedures and directed the accused to furnish a personal bond under Section 437-A of the CrPC.
This case underscores the importance of robust evidence in legal proceedings, particularly in sensitive matters involving human trafficking and exploitation. The acquittal serves as a reminder of the judicial principle that guilt must be proven conclusively, and any doubt should favor the accused.
