Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – The crackdown on illegal flesh trade in the temple city of Varanasi continues to intensify. For the third consecutive day, police have busted a major Varanasi sex racket, this time at a hookah bar operating under the guise of a restaurant near Babatpur. The Special Operations Group (SOG-2) of Varanasi Police has revealed shocking details, exposing how such establishments are being used to run prostitution rackets in plain sight.
Third Bust in Three Days – Hookah Bar Turns into a Sex Den
On 6 August 2025, SOG-2 carried out a raid at Anshika Restaurant located near Sagunha Tiraha, under the Babatpur area. The raid uncovered a Varanasi sex racket where a hookah bar had been converted into a sex den.
Inside partitioned boxes at the back of the premises, police found four women and six male customers, some allegedly in compromising positions. The arrested include the main operator, identified as Sarvesh Singh, who was running the illegal operation.
Police also recovered condoms, aphrodisiac tablets, massage oil, and other objectionable items from the premises. This bust marks the third major Varanasi sex racket exposed in just three days.
Previous Raids – Spa Centres & Guest House Under the Scanner
The latest bust is part of a string of consecutive operations:
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4 August 2025 – Spa Centre Raids in Chitaipur: Acting on a tip-off, SOG-2 raided two spa centres in Chitaipur. Police detained eight women and five male customers found inside. These spa centres were allegedly offering sexual services under the cover of massage therapy.
7 August 2025 – Guest House Racket in Phoolpur: Just a day after the Babatpur raid, another Varanasi sex racket was busted in Anshika Guest House in Phoolpur area. Four women and six male customers were detained, including the guest house owners – two brothers accused of facilitating the illegal trade.
Police’s Stand on the Crackdown
SOG officials stated that these raids are part of an ongoing mission to root out Varanasi sex racket networks exploiting women and misusing commercial establishments. Authorities believe that organised groups are using hotels, spas, hookah bars, and guest houses as fronts to conduct prostitution.
The police have also confirmed that legal action under relevant sections of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act is being taken against the arrested suspects. Further investigations aim to identify the suppliers, pimps, and possible interstate connections.
A Growing Concern in Varanasi
While Varanasi is globally known for its spiritual heritage and cultural significance, the back to back busts of Varanasi sex racket operations highlight a growing underbelly of organised crime in the city. Locals are concerned that such activities not only tarnish the city’s image but also put vulnerable women at risk of trafficking and exploitation.
Residents near the Babatpur hookah bar reported suspicious activities, with young men frequently visiting at odd hours. This information reportedly played a key role in the successful raid.
Items Seized in the Babatpur Raid
The Babatpur operation yielded incriminating evidence, including:
- Packets of condoms and aphrodisiac tablets
- Bottles of massage oil
- Receipts and records possibly linked to the racket’s transactions
- Mobile phones suspected to contain client and pimp contacts
Police are analysing these materials to identify larger links to other cities.
Impact of the Consecutive Raids
Three major busts in as many days send a clear message – law enforcement is tightening its grip on the Varanasi sex racket syndicates. The city police, in collaboration with intelligence units, are increasing surveillance on hospitality and entertainment venues suspected of facilitating prostitution.
Officials say this is not just about arrests, but dismantling the entire supply chain, from traffickers to facilitators. Victims rescued during the raids are being provided counselling and assistance under rehabilitation schemes.
Road Ahead
Authorities have hinted at more raids in the coming days, as information from the arrested individuals points to a broader network operating across Uttar Pradesh. Public cooperation is being encouraged, with police urging residents to report suspicious activities in their areas.
The consecutive busts prove that the Varanasi sex racket issue is far deeper than previously believed. The city police remain committed to dismantling these operations and restoring Varanasi’s image as a centre of spirituality, not vice.
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