Keralas Home Minister Warns of Strict Action Against Illegal Activities in Spa Centers

Thiruvananthapuram, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : Kerala’s Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced on Monday that a thorough investigation and monitoring of spa centers will be initiated to combat illegal activities disguised as wellness services. He emphasized that no criminal will escape the law.

This warning comes in the wake of several sexual exploitation cases involving women seeking employment and a minor girl in the state, raising serious concerns about the operations and regulations of some spas and wellness centers.

The latest troubling incident involves the alleged sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old girl from Andhra Pradesh at a spa in Kovalam. This girl, who lost her parents, was brought to Kerala by her aunt and her husband, where she reportedly faced months of abuse.

Two spa operators have been arrested, and police have formed a special investigation team, including cyber experts, to identify other individuals involved. Investigators are also looking into suspicious anonymous connections related to a municipal health inspector.

This incident has intensified fears that certain establishments may be functioning as fronts for organized exploitation rackets, potentially involving a wide network of intermediaries and clients.

In another case, a woman accepted a job offer at a spa but was taken to a lodge in Edappally, where she was drugged and sexually assaulted. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with this incident, and police are investigating alleged links between the suspects and various spa establishments.

Concerns have also been raised that the main suspect may have interests in multiple spas operating in the city. Earlier this year, a disturbing incident in Tiruvalla involved the sexual assault of a female employee at an Ayurvedic spa, which occurred after a group demanded a ransom.

The recurrence of such cases has put the regulatory framework governing spas under scrutiny. Questions are being raised about how establishments operate without valid licenses and whether inspections are adequate to detect exploitation, human trafficking, and other illegal activities.

Under “Operation Spa,” police have begun statewide inspections. Out of 821 registered spa centers, 586 have been inspected, resulting in 14 cases filed and notices issued to 44 establishments for violating legal provisions.

The challenge now lies in ensuring that enforcement does not become a temporary response to sensational crimes. Legitimate therapeutic and health service providers should not be treated the same as those exploiting women or minors. Swift and stringent action is necessary against establishments that facilitate such abuses.

Effective licensing, regular inspections, employee verification, and ongoing police monitoring will be crucial in preventing further misconduct.