Police in Varanasi raided two spa centres in the Sigra area and uncovered a sex racket being run from the premises. During the raids, officers arrested nine women and four men. One of the spa centres was operating from a flat registered in the name of Arun Yadav, the husband of BJP leader Shalini Yadav. Because of this connection, the case has gained a lot of public and political attention.

After the raids, opposition parties targeted Shalini Yadav and questioned her role. The incident received heavy media coverage. The Uttar Pradesh BJP later issued a statement supporting her. Four days after the raids, both Shalini and her husband Arun Yadav spoke publicly about the controversy.

Shalini Yadav strongly denied any involvement in the alleged illegal activities. She said she had no idea what was happening at the flat and described the allegations as false and politically motivated. She said she plans to take legal action for defamation.

Arun Yadav also issued a clarification. He said that he had rented out Flat No. 112 in Shakti Sikha Apartment, Sigra, in April 2024 and had no knowledge of any wrongdoing. He explained that he owns several properties across Varanasi, all of which are rented out as part of his regular business, and it is not possible for him to know what every tenant does unless the police or neighbours complain.

Shalini Yadav said, “This controversy is very unfortunate. My name is being misused, and hateful allegations are being spread against me because of political rivalry.” She added that she comes from a respected family and that no one has ever questioned her character until now. She said she entered politics to serve the people and will now fight to protect her own reputation too.

She also pointed out that the flat where the spa was running is not in her name. “My name has been dragged into this only for political reasons. I will file a defamation suit,” she said. Responding to photos of her with senior political leaders being shared online, she said that many politicians take photos with her, but only selected images are being circulated to target her.

Arun Yadav added that he has owned the flat since 1999 and has rented it out continuously for 26 years. The spa centre, he said, was rented from April 2024 for 11 months, and even the rent was not paid on time. He said most nearby flats are used for commercial purposes.

He again stressed that he had no clue about any illegal activity taking place, saying it is impossible for a landlord to know such things unless authorities report it. Both Shalini and Arun Yadav have maintained that the accusations are baseless and part of a political attempt to damage their image.