Thiruvananthapuram, February 8 The BJP-run Thiruvananthapuram Corporation announced on Sunday a crackdown on spas in the capital city that were engaged in illegal activities, including cross-massaging.
Addressing a press conference, Mayor V V Rajesh said the action followed an incident in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district, where a gangster allegedly raped a spa employee after she refused to give him money.
He said that after the incident, he sought details from corporation officials and the police, who informed him that spas violating norms were operating in the city.
"Instructions have been issued to verify the licenses granted to all spas operating within the Thiruvananthapuram corporation limits. Inspections will be conducted at all spas that have been issued licenses," he said.
Rajesh added that, following tip-offs, police had conducted checks at some spas in the city but were unable to take action, as the employees were minors.
"The corporation and the police are planning a joint operation to intervene in this sector. A detailed plan will be finalized by Monday after discussions with senior officers," he said.
He alleged that some spas were engaging in illegal cross-massage activities under the guise of legitimate operations.
Rajesh said that corporation licenses for spas stipulate the presence of qualified masseurs and a doctor.
However, he alleged that most spas have neither, and that some doctors were aiding such illegal activities. Details of such doctors would be forwarded to the Medical Council, he said.
The mayor also alleged that some police personnel were linked to the mafia operating spas in the city.
"Both the corporation and senior police officers have information about such officials. Strict action will be taken against any spa found to be involved in immoral or illegal activities. The licenses of such spas will be cancelled, and criminal proceedings will be initiated with police support," he said.
He further said he had received information about an incident on Saturday in which a woman was allegedly misbehaved with after being called for an interview at a spa near the Secretariat.
The corporation would take the matter seriously and examine whether spas were being operated by criminal gangs, as reported from other parts of the state, he added.
Later in the evening, corporation officials raided the spa where the woman was "sexually assaulted" under the pretence of a job interview.
The corporation decided to shut down the spa and issue a notice to its owner.