Pune police have formally named Sonia Gidwani, owner of Spring Book Lodge in Kalyani Nagar, along with two others, as accused in a prostitution racket case.
The Yerwada police had earlier arrested lodge manager Amol Tambde and agent Bunty. The accused face charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) 1956.
Although Gidwani’s name appeared in the initial complaint, legal action against her was not taken until now. During the investigation, Tambde admitted he provided clients with photos and contact details of women under Gidwani’s direction. The probe revealed that prostitution was operated at the lodge, generating monetary benefits for the accused.
Authorities have now formally included Gidwani in the case, and additional IPC sections, including Section 143(3), have been invoked due to the involvement of multiple individuals.
In June 2023, a case was filed against Gidwani and another person for taking control of the lodge after the lease expired. They allegedly failed to return the property and stopped paying rent. The Yerwada police have submitted a charge sheet to the court, indicating sufficient evidence for trial.
The court will decide both the criminal liability of the accused and whether the original owner will be compensated for the loss of the lodge.
