Thiruvananthapuram, October 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Kerala Police have taken a second woman into custody in Bengaluru in connection with the alleged sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old girl at spas in Kovalam, as investigators probe suspected links between spa operators and civic officials.
The latest action follows the arrests of a permanent employee of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and a woman employed there on a temporary basis. Police have formally recorded both arrests, while the identity and alleged role of the woman detained in Bengaluru have not yet been officially disclosed.
Investigators are examining whether municipal personnel responsible for licensing and inspecting spa centres misused their positions to shield establishments allegedly operating in violation of the law. Financial transactions, digital records and WhatsApp conversations are also being scrutinised to determine whether the alleged exploitation involved a wider network.
According to the investigation details, the minor, who had lost both parents, was allegedly brought to Kerala by her maternal aunt and the aunt’s partner before being handed over to spa operators for sexual exploitation in exchange for money.
The case surfaced after the aunt reported the girl missing on September 21. Police subsequently found two Aadhaar card copies on her mobile phone, one recording the girl’s age as 20 and the other as 16. The discrepancy prompted further questioning and led investigators to uncover the alleged exploitation.
The case has also intensified scrutiny of spa establishments across Kerala. Under Operation Spa, police have inspected 586 of the state’s 821 registered spa centres, registered 14 cases and issued notices to 44 establishments for alleged violations.
Authorities are continuing to investigate possible links to other establishments and whether additional officials or intermediaries were involved.
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