Prostitution Rackets: Residents demand stricter laws on massage parlours in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: Residents in the tri-commissionerate areas, especially those in newer parts of the city, are seeking stricter laws to regulate mushrooming of massage parlours, many of which were found to serve as a den for illegal activities and prostitution rackets.

It is estimated that there are about 500 massage parlours in the tri-commissionerate areas.

Shiva Kumar, a resident of Kukatpally, said, “We are unaware of what is happening at these massage centres. Sudden raids and arrests leave us in shock, and it makes us feel awkward to walk in this vicinity. They also tarnish the dignity of our colony. Many young women in our colonies feel unsafe walking here. Even if arrests are made, they seem to reopen after a couple of days. All the massage centres are operating with political and official support.”

A resident of Serlingampally, preferring anonymity, alleged collusion between traffickers or those running prostitution rackets with the police.

The resident said, “There are approximately 150 massage centres in Serlingampally. Despite illegal activities and attempts to reach out and express our discomfort, there has been no change. A recent incident of Madhapur zone inspector receiving a notice for collecting a significant amount of money for engaging in illegal activities is an example; this is not an isolated case.”

Senior advocate Srinivas Goud told Deccan Chronicle that the accused received lenient charges and station bail, allowing them to reopen the massage centres. “Laws should be made more stringent, and seized massage centres should not be allowed to reopen, which should be the department's responsibility,” he said.

West Zone DCP Joel Davis said, “Strict action is taken wherever the violation has come to our notice. We had made about 20 arrests in the past couple of months now. Those running massage centres have to follow the guidelines of the High Court.”