Swati Maliwal receives death threats; writes to Delhi Police chief

NEW DELHI: Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal on Friday wrote to the police commissioner alleging she and her husband have been receiving death threats following the panel's crackdown on spa and massage parlours in the National capital.

In the letter, DCW chief Swati Maliwal has written that she has been informed that the prostitution racket running in spas has deep nexus and is being operated by 10 to 12 big wigs in the Capital.

"My husband Navin Jaihind has yesterday received several threatening messages on his Whatsapp from some spa owners. Further, a threatening call against me and my husband has also been received on the 181 Women Helpline and the audio clip," she said in the letter to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik.

"These messages contain direct threats to kill and assault me and my family. The fact that they have tried to approach my husband instead of approaching me directly reveals their plan to target and intimidate my family," she said in the letter.

DCW chief said she shall continue to do the same with vigor and passion and nothing will deter me from fighting against trafficking and prostitution kingpins.

"I request your good self to take the necessary action as per law against these persons who are trying to intimidate me and my family," she said in the letter.

DCW had summoned senior MCD and Police officials on September 9 in the matter and had directed them to ensure that sex rackets in spa be immediately closed down.

It was decided in the meeting that the three MCD would be taking proper steps and changing their licensing mechanism to ensure that sex rackets do not operate in spa and massage centre.

Later the Bjp-led South Corporation decided that it will soon change its policy on the operation of spas and massage parlours, which will also include a ban on massage service offered by a person of the opposite gender.