Two actresses from the city were arrested by the narcotics wing of the Central Crime Branch for soliciting customers for prostitution.

Suma (29), a resident of Nagarabhavi, who has appeared in several Kannada movies and serials, was arrested along with cine actress Lakshmi, who ran the racket.

Based on a tip off, a police team raided a hotel on West of Chord Road and arrested the duo and two other pimps red-handed. Suma has worked in movies like Sandalwood and Arbhata in supporting roles, and was being paid Rs 20,000 by Lakshmi every day to entertain clients.

"Lakshmi used to arrange the client and the room and would escort Suma to and from the points," Assistant Commissioner of Police R Lakshman said.

Lakshman informed that besides movies, Suma has acted in Kannada soaps like Rangoli, Mangalya and Baduku. Lakshmi is also from the same line and has acted in many serials.

The police said that the duo wanted to make a quick buck, and have been in the profession for many months.

"The accused have been booked under the Immoral trafficking Act and remanded to judicial custody. The police are also looking for another pimp identified as Ravi, who managed to escape during the raid," Lakshman added.