Gang rape at Thiruvalla spa not linked to any quotation, say Kerala Police

The police investigating the alleged gang rape of a woman at an Ayurveda spa at Thiruvalla in Kottayam, Kerala, have clarified that the attack was not orchestrated or commissioned by anyone.

According to officials, the gang had approached the spa seeking extortion money, but the attack was not linked to any ‘quotation’, as had been suggested earlier. The accused demanded ₹50,000, and when the payment was not made, the employee was subjected to sexual assault at knife point. All six accused in the case have now been arrested, with the key accused, Subin Alexander, also known as Marana Subin, currently in police custody for interrogation.

Earlier, the spa owner had alleged that the assault was related to a quotation issued by a competitor.

In the wake of the incident, the police have begun inspections of Ayurveda spas operating in and around Thiruvalla. Officials stated that a few establishments were found operating without valid registration and notices have been issued to them. A probe is also on to ascertain whether any of these firms had violated he legal stipulations with regard to offering massage services.

While four of the accused were already in custody, the remaining two, identified as Kiran and Sajin, surrendered at the Thiruvalla police station late on Thursday. Earlier, the same day, the police had arrested another suspect, Prashobh, from Ranni.

The investigation is also examining claims by the survivor that a female colleague at the spa may have been complicit in the assault. In addition, a departmental inquiry has been initiated into allegations of collusion between certain police officers and some of the accused.

Meanwhile, the police have moved to initiate preventive measures under the KAAPA Act against Subin, the key accused, who had previously served a sentence under the same act. This step is intended to ensure he remains in custody even if granted bail in the gang rape case. The District Police Chief has submitted a recommendation to the District Collector in this regard.