Pune: Two female 'pimps' were arrested and three women including a foreigner were rescued from a prostitution racket by sleuths from the Crime Branch of the Pune police. Cops said that the accused were operating an international sex racket in the city by roping in models and foreigners.
The arrested accused have been identified as Madhu Smith (58) and Soniya Jivanlal Bavdhana (42), both residents of Andheri in Mumbai. After receiving information from Police Inspector Ram Rajmane of the Anti-Organised Crime Cell, a trap was laid near Orchid Hotel in Balewadi and the duo was nabbed at around 10 pm on Friday. The police rescued two Indian models and a woman from Uzbekistan.
An FIR has been registered against Madhu and Soniya at the Hinjewadi police station for offences under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA). A magistrate court has remanded them to police custody till December 27.
Crime Branch ACP Sameer Shaikh said, "Preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested women worked as freelance event managers and also acted as sex trade agents. They used to lure struggling actresses, girls new into modelling and those facing financial problems. The accused also brought foreigners by arranging their tourist visa."
Rajmane added, "The accused used to prefer five star hotels and catered to rich clients. They used to ask their clients to book hotel rooms, arrange costly alcohol and cigarettes for sex workers. They have been charging huge money to the tune of Rs 1 lakh from their customers."
