Rising Concerns Over Illegal Spa Centres in Jammu; Police Bust Prostitution Racket
Jammu, March 8:
Jammu, historically known as the “City of Temples,” is witnessing a rapid rise in spa and salon centres across the city, raising serious concerns among residents about the possible misuse of these establishments for illegal activities.
In several areas of Jammu including Greater Kailash, Channi Himmat, Janipur, Gandhi Nagar, Shastri Nagar and Sainik Colony, locals claim that spa centres have mushroomed rapidly in recent years. Residents allege that in some markets every second shop is either a spa or a salon, which has triggered questions about their legality and regulation.
According to locals, many of these establishments operate as unisex spa centres, where men and women provide massage services to customers. While the official charges for massage reportedly range from ₹1500 to ₹3000, residents allege that some centres are being used as fronts for prostitution and illegal trafficking networks.
Police Action in Greater Kailash
Meanwhile, in a significant crackdown, Jammu Police South Zone busted an alleged prostitution racket in Greater Kailash on March 7, 2026.
Acting on credible information, a police team led by IC PP Sainik Colony and SHO Police Station Channi Himmat, under the supervision of SDPO City East and SP City South, conducted a raid at a residential house owned by Amreek Singh, son of Netar Singh, resident of Lane No. 31, Greater Kailash, Jammu.
During the raid, police found that the premises were allegedly being used for immoral trafficking activities, where women were reportedly being procured and induced into prostitution.
Police rescued three girls from the premises and apprehended three persons including two men and one woman for their alleged involvement in the illegal activity.
In connection with the case, FIR No. 62/2026 has been registered at Police Station Channi Himmat under Sections 3, 5 and 7 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, and further investigation is currently underway.
Jammu Police stated that the operation reflects proactive policing and a commitment to curb immoral trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Questions Raised by Local Residents
Despite the recent police action, several residents claim that hundreds of spa centres are currently operating across Jammu city, and many of them allegedly lack proper licensing, customer records, and employee verification.
Earlier, the district administration had issued orders under Section 163 of the BNSS directing strict tenant verification and employee verification for such establishments. However, locals allege that these directives are not being properly implemented on the ground.
Residents are also raising concerns about the financial sources behind these establishments, as many of the spa centres operate in expensive commercial buildings with high rental costs.
Reports from local sources claim that women working in some of these centres are brought from Delhi, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Nepal and even foreign countries such as Thailand and Russia, although these claims require further official verification.
Spread to Other Districts
Observers also claim that the trend is spreading beyond Jammu city, with similar spa and salon establishments emerging in Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Katra and Reasi districts as well.
Conclusion
The recent police raid in Greater Kailash has once again highlighted the growing concerns about illegal activities allegedly operating under the cover of spa and salon centres in Jammu. While the crackdown by Jammu Police is being seen as a positive step, residents believe that a wider investigation, strict licensing checks, employee verification, and continuous monitoring are necessary to curb such activities.
Citizens are now demanding a comprehensive inquiry into the functioning, registration, and funding sources of these establishments to ensure that illegal trafficking and prostitution networks do not flourish under the guise of legitimate businesses in Jammu.
