Thirteen women prisoners, including two Thai nationals, were allegedly stripped naked and checked by non-prison officials while in custody, according to their counsel.

The women were arrested on charges of engaging in prostitution at a massage parlour in Sagara Road, Bambalapitiya.

Their counsel, Gunartne Wanninayake, said the massage parlour was operating on a license issued by the Ayrurvedic Commissioner and functioned under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician.

Magistrate Shahbdeen questioned the woman prison guard, who was in charge of the prisoners, about the allegations that they were stripped in prison.

The police told the magistrate that the first suspect had lured the other women to engage in prostitution under the guise of working as masseuses.

Meanwhile, the suspects’ counsel said one of those arrested was not an employee but had visited to the clinic to undergo beauty therapy.

Counsel Susantha De Gunawardena, appearing for the Ayurvedic Commissioner, said he was assisting the proceedings on a request by the first suspect.

The magistrate released the suspects on Rs.5,000 person bail with two sureties each.

(Emirates 24/7 News)