Unveiling the Shadows: Escort Services in Bhubaneswar

Introduction

Bhubaneswar, the ancient temple city and modern administrative hub of Odisha, is a place where tradition meets rapid urbanization. Amid its bustling streets, IT parks, and cultural landmarks, a discreet industry thrives: escort services. Often shrouded in secrecy and stigma, these services represent a facet of urban life that intersects with economic necessities, social changes, and legal ambiguities. While the term "escort service" evokes images of companionship for social events or travel, it frequently blurs into the broader realm of sex work in India. This article examines the evolution, legality, and realities of escort services in Bhubaneswar, drawing on the city's unique context as a growing metropolis. With Odisha's population surging and economic opportunities drawing migrants, the demand for such services has evolved, reflecting wider societal shifts. Understanding this industry requires peeling back layers of misconception to reveal the human stories, economic drivers, and regulatory challenges that define it.

Historical Background

The roots of sex work in Odisha, including in Bhubaneswar, trace back to ancient times. Historical records point to the Devadasi system, where young women were dedicated to temples as servants of deities. In medieval Orissa, this practice often devolved into institutionalized prostitution, justified under religious pretexts. Maritime trade and cultural exchanges along the eastern coast further influenced the spread of such practices, with women from lower socio-economic strata entering the trade due to poverty or coercion. By the colonial era, prostitution became more visible in urban centers, regulated under British laws that viewed it as a necessary evil.

In Bhubaneswar specifically, the modern history of sex work began to take shape in the mid-20th century as the city was redesigned as Odisha's capital post-independence. The red-light area initially clustered near the railway station, catering to travelers and locals. However, around 1990, urban development pressures led to its relocation to Malishahi, an urban slum in the city center. This move displaced many workers but also consolidated the trade, with an estimated 80-100 women operating in the area by the early 2000s. Poverty remained the primary driver, with many originating from rural Odisha districts like Cuttack or Keonjhar, or even neighboring states and Bangladesh. Natural disasters, such as the 1999 super cyclone that devastated coastal Odisha, exacerbated vulnerabilities, pushing more individuals into the trade for survival. Over time, the industry adapted to urbanization, shifting from street-based operations to more discreet escort models facilitated by technology and agencies.

Legal Framework in India

In India, the legal landscape for escort services is a tapestry of grey zones. Prostitution itself is not illegal if conducted privately and consensually between adults, as per the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) of 1956. However, related activities—such as running brothels, public solicitation, pimping, and living off the earnings of prostitution—are criminalized. Escort services often operate under the guise of providing companionship, which is legally permissible. Clients pay for time spent at events, dinners, or travel, with any intimate activities falling into a consensual, unregulated space. Yet, if services explicitly involve sexual exchanges, they risk falling afoul of ITPA provisions.

Key judicial interventions have shaped this framework. The Supreme Court's 2011 ruling in Budhadev Karmaskar vs. State of West Bengal affirmed sex workers' right to dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution, advocating for rehabilitation over punishment for consensual work. Earlier cases like Gaurav Jain vs. Union of India (1997) focused on protecting children of sex workers, while Vishal Jeet vs. Union of India (1990) targeted trafficking. In Odisha, local enforcement varies, with police raids often targeting visible operations. Escort agencies navigate this by advertising online as "companionship providers," avoiding explicit mentions of sex. The Information Technology Act adds another layer, penalizing obscene online content, which has led to crackdowns on escort websites. Despite these, the industry persists, highlighting the gap between law and practice.

The Escort Industry in Bhubaneswar Today

As of 2025, Bhubaneswar's escort industry mirrors the city's dual identity: traditional yet progressive. With Odisha ranking among India's top 12 states for female sex workers, Khurda district—encompassing Bhubaneswar—hosts the highest concentration, estimated at thousands. The shift from traditional red-light areas like Malishahi to modern escort models is evident. Agencies and independent operators use digital platforms to connect with clients, offering services ranging from event accompaniment to private meetings. Urban growth, fueled by IT hubs and tourism, has increased demand from professionals, tourists, and businessmen seeking discreet companionship.

Operations vary: some are agency-run, with escorts screened and matched to clients, while others are freelance, advertised via social media or apps. Rates depend on duration and services, often starting from a few thousand rupees for an evening. Many workers enter voluntarily for financial independence, possessing education or skills that make this a lucrative choice amid limited job opportunities. However, exploitation lurks, as seen in recent 2025 cases where minors from Jharkhand were trafficked into city rackets in areas like Laxmisagar. Organizations like the Orissa Patita Udhar Samiti (OPUS) play a pivotal role, advocating for workers' rights and preventing dislocations through legal actions. The industry has also adapted to post-pandemic realities, with virtual services gaining traction. Yet, broad daylight operations in central areas persist, blending into the city's fabric and challenging enforcement.

Challenges and Societal Views

The escort sector in Bhubaneswar faces multifaceted challenges. Stigma remains pervasive, viewing workers as morally deviant rather than economic actors. Societal misconceptions equate all escorts with forced prostitution, ignoring those who choose it for empowerment or flexibility. Aging workers struggle, with limited rehabilitation options exacerbating poverty cycles. Trafficking is a grave issue, with interstate networks exploiting vulnerable migrants, as highlighted by recent arrests.

Health risks, including HIV/AIDS, are addressed through government programs, but access varies. Economically, workers often surrender a significant portion of earnings to intermediaries. Societally, Odisha's conservative ethos clashes with urban liberalism, leading to moral policing. Advocacy groups push for decriminalization, arguing it would reduce exploitation and enable better protections. Public discourse oscillates between condemnation and calls for empathy, recognizing the industry's role in the informal economy.

Conclusion

Escort services in Bhubaneswar encapsulate the tensions of a developing society: opportunity amid inequality, legality amid ambiguity. From historical Devadasi traditions to contemporary digital operations, the industry has evolved, driven by economic imperatives and urban dynamics. While legal frameworks provide some safeguards, enforcement gaps allow exploitation to thrive. Addressing this requires nuanced policies—focusing on consent, rehabilitation, and anti-trafficking measures—rather than blanket prohibition. As Bhubaneswar grows, fostering dialogue and support for workers could transform this shadow economy into one of dignity and choice. Ultimately, understanding escort services demands looking beyond stereotypes to the human realities shaping them.