Lucknow: The capital of Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a disturbing rise in illegal activities under the guise of spa and massage centers, with foreign nationals allegedly at the center of the operation. From upscale neighborhoods like Gomti Nagar, Sushant Golf City, Chinhat, PGI, Ashiana, to Hazratganj, more than 100 spa centers and parlors are allegedly engaged in immoral trade, often with the silent complicity of law enforcement and administrative agencies.
Investigations have revealed the involvement of over 1,500 women from countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Oman, and Thailand. Many are working without proper documentation or employment visas and are operating in both well-known and underground establishments across the city.
Widespread Visa Violations: Foreign Women Operating Without Work Permits
According to police sources, the spa centers, though registered for wellness services, have turned into hubs of illicit activity, operating in clear violation of the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) regulations. A majority of these women enter India on business or tourist visas, which do not permit them to work, yet continue operating in commercial premises without checks.
For instance, in a recent operation, six Thai nationals were apprehended from a spa in Sushant Golf City. Though they had valid visas for trade, they lacked the required employment documentation. They were deported after verification. In another major bust, 11 women were caught from Shakti Apartment, while four Omani nationals were apprehended from a spa in Gomti Nagar.
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Yet, the trend continues unabated. Despite multiple such raids and public protests by local residents, many spa centers are allowed to operate, hinting at a nexus between the operators and law enforcement.
Locals Raise Alarm, Police Allegedly Look the Other Way
Residents of Omaxe New Hazratganj revealed that rooms are rented out for as low as ₹2,000–₹2,500 per day, where unlawful activities occur around the clock. Locals claim that police and civic authorities are well aware of these operations but have taken no lasting action.
The role of a woman from Uzbekistan, Lola Kayumova, is under scrutiny after it was discovered she facilitated the illegal stay of other foreign nationals. Her ability to stay undetected for years exposes glaring failures in local intelligence and immigration monitoring.
DCP Central Ashish Shrivastava admitted that any foreigner visiting Lucknow must mandatorily file Form-C through the FRRO. “Local verification is supposed to flag illegal stays, but a deeper investigation is now being undertaken based on recent reports,” he said.
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Crackdown Promised, But Enforcement Gaps Remain Wide
While law enforcement claims that a detailed investigation is in progress, repeated incidents suggest systemic gaps in monitoring foreign nationals, enforcing visa rules, and inspecting commercial establishments.
More than 20 foreign women have been caught in just the last few months, indicating the widespread scale of this issue. Officials now face mounting public pressure to take concrete steps, not just isolated raids.
The question remains: Is Lucknow becoming a safe haven for illegal foreign operations under the cover of legitimate business licenses? The answer may lie in how seriously authorities act on the investigation now underway.