Udhampur, Sept 20: In a decisive crackdown on illegal activities camouflaged under the pretext of wellness services, Udhampur Police late Friday night busted a brothel being operated inside a spa centre along Dhar Road, exposing yet another instance of abuse of such establishments. The surprise raid at The Blue Lotus Spa and Saloon in the Barrian area resulted in the arrest of seven persons, including three men and four women, who were allegedly involved in the racket.
The operation was conducted by a police team led by SHO Udhampur, Purab Singh, under the direct supervision of DySP Udhampur, Parladh Sharma. Acting on credible intelligence inputs about immoral activities being carried out in certain spa centres of the town, simultaneous checks were conducted. “Our teams raided multiple spa centres. At The Blue Lotus Spa and Saloon, our suspicions were confirmed and seven individuals were apprehended on the spot. An FIR has been lodged and further investigations are underway,” DySP Sharma said.
An official statement confirmed that an FIR (No. 342/2025) has been registered at Police Station Udhampur under Sections 3, 4, 5, and 7 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. Authorities indicated that strict legal action will follow, and investigations are expected to reveal the broader network behind the operation.
This is not the first time spa centres in Udhampur have come under scrutiny. In November 2024, several outlets were sealed after locals accused them of promoting immoral practices, running without valid permissions, and degrading the town’s social environment. Despite these closures, many centres resumed functioning after fulfilling procedural formalities, raising questions about regulatory loopholes and enforcement.
Concerned residents have once again voiced alarm. Locals argue such establishments not only tarnish the town’s image but also pose a threat to the social fabric. They recalled how one notorious centre in Dhanori was permanently shut following public agitation and urged authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance approach.
The latest police action has drawn wide appreciation from citizens. “This raid has restored our confidence in the police. Such immoral activities cannot be allowed to thrive under the garb of wellness. We hope strict measures will now be taken to permanently dismantle these networks,” said a resident of area.
Police officials, on their part, reiterated their determination to uphold public morality and law. They assured that anyone found guilty of indulging in or promoting such unlawful activities will face stringent legal consequences. The crackdown is being seen as part of a broader effort to cleanse Udhampur of establishments misusing the wellness industry as a front for illegal trades.