Health inspector arrested in Kovalam spa trafficking case

A HEALTH inspector with the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has emerged as a key link in the alleged trafficking and sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old girl at a spa in Kovalam, with police identifying him as the establishment’s alleged real owner.

The police arrested Anuroop, a junior health inspector attached to the Corporation’s Ulloor zonal office, on October 20 following an investigation into the case.

The Corporation Mayor subsequently suspended him from service. Investigators suspect that the spa, operating under the name Dreams, was run through a benami arrangement using Nishanth, a native of Poovar, as a front.

The alleged financial links came to light during an examination of bank transactions and digital evidence.

According to reports, payments made through QR codes displayed at the spa were credited to Anuroop’s bank account. Police also found evidence of money transfers from Nishanth to the health inspector, with some daily transactions reportedly reaching Rs 25,000.

The case concerns a minor girl from Andhra Pradesh who was allegedly brought to Kerala by her maternal aunt and the latter’s husband using forged identity documents that falsely recorded her age as 20.

She was allegedly made to work at several spas in the region and subjected to sexual exploitation. The abuse came to light after she attempted to flee with a young man working at one of the establishments.

The investigation has led to arrests of people allegedly connected with the spa and the girl’s exploitation. Police are also probing the possibility of a wider interstate trafficking network and examining the role of others who may have visited the establishment.

The case has intensified scrutiny of spas and wellness centres across Kerala. Under the statewide ‘Operation Spa’ drive, police have inspected hundreds of registered establishments and initiated action against centres suspected of operating in violation of the law.

The investigation is continuing to establish the full extent of the alleged trafficking network and the involvement of other individuals.