Illegal spa racket under scrutiny as police widen crackdown in Kozhikode city
A late evening flash inspection conducted by Kozhikode city police on October 17 has led to the closure of 20 such illegally operated units besides issuing of closure notices to six others
The police in Kozhikode city have intensified their crackdown on illegal spas and massage centres, inspecting around 70 establishments and shutting down 20 due to inadequate documentation. Six others have received closure notices. This heightened surveillance follows a recent incident where a 20-year-old woman was allegedly sexually tortured before joining a spa in Kochi.
The Home Department responded by tightening surveillance on establishments in the sector. Concerns have grown over the use of forged documents by Bangladeshi women working as spa therapists. During a flash inspection on October 17, four persons were arrested and cases were registered at four police stations. The police are now requiring spa and massage centre operators to maintain registers with employees' personal details, which will be verified by the police.
They will also check for the necessary licenses and permissions. The inspections aim to identify establishments operating without proper approvals and those engaged in illegal activities under the guise of permitted services. The police warned that severe action would be taken against violators. Employees found without valid documents or involved in criminal activities will face legal proceedings.
Customers found implicated could also face action. One of the arrested individuals was a customer from Malappuram district who allegedly sought illegal services from a woman therapist. The crackdown will continue, involving cooperation with local self-government institutions. Inspection efforts will focus on verifying employee records, licenses, and other mandatory documents.
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