Kerala Home Minister warns of strict action against illegal activities in spas
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Monday warned that spas and wellness centres engaging in illegal activities would face stringent checks and continuous monitoring, asserting that no offender would be allowed to escape the law.
His statement came after a series of alleged sexual exploitation cases involving women job seekers and a minor girl, which have raised serious concerns over the functioning and regulation of several spa establishments in the state.
The most recent case involves the alleged exploitation of a 16-year-old girl from Andhra Pradesh at spas in Kovalam. Police said the girl, who had lost both her parents, was brought to Kerala by her maternal aunt and the latter’s husband and was allegedly exploited over several months.
Two spa operators have been arrested in connection with the case. A Special Investigation Team, including cyber experts, has been formed to identify others involved. Investigators are also examining suspected benami links involving a municipal health inspector.
The case has strengthened suspicions that some spas may be functioning as fronts for organised exploitation rackets, with possible wider networks involving intermediaries and customers.
In Kochi, a woman who responded to a spa job advertisement was allegedly taken to a lodge in Edappally, drugged and sexually assaulted. Four persons have been arrested, and police are investigating possible links between the accused and other spa centres in the city. Investigators also suspect that the main accused may have interests in multiple spas operating in Kochi.
In another case reported from Thiruvalla earlier this year, a woman employee at an Ayurvedic spa was allegedly sexually assaulted after a group demanded extortion money from the establishment. Police said the attack followed the refusal to pay the amount demanded.
The repeated incidents have put the regulatory system governing spas under scrutiny, with questions being raised over establishments functioning without valid licences and the adequacy of inspections to detect exploitation, trafficking and other illegal activities.
Police have launched statewide inspections under ‘Operation Spa’. Of the 821 registered spa centres in the state, 586 have been inspected so far. Fourteen cases have been registered, while notices have been issued to 44 establishments found violating legal provisions.
While legitimate therapeutic and wellness centres should not be unfairly targeted, authorities have stressed that those using spas to exploit women or minors must face swift and firm action. Effective licensing, regular inspections, verification of employees and sustained police monitoring are seen as key to preventing further abuse.
(Inputs from IANS)