Bengaluru: Vidhana Soudha police have arrested a male spa therapist employed at a luxury hotel on Palace Road in the Central Business District following a complaint by a Canadian woman delegate who alleged inappropriate conduct during a massage session. Police said the woman was in the city to attend an official conference and was staying at the same hotel where the incident reportedly occurred.
According to senior police officials, the accused, aged 32, was working as a therapist at the hotel’s spa facility. The complaint was filed by a 44-year-old Canadian national who stated that she had booked a massage session when the therapist allegedly behaved in an inappropriate manner during the treatment.
Complaint lodged after online alert
Police said the matter came to light after an eyewitness posted about the woman’s experience on social media platform X and tagged the Bengaluru City Police. Based on the alert, officers contacted the woman, recorded her statement and initiated legal action.
Following verification and preliminary enquiry, a case was registered against the therapist and he was taken into custody for questioning. Police said further investigation is in progress and relevant sections relating to misconduct and outraging modesty have been invoked.
Officials added that digital evidence and spa booking records are being examined as part of the probe.
Victim in city for conference
Investigators said the complainant had travelled to the city as part of a delegation to attend a conference event. She was residing at the same luxury hotel where the spa is located. During her stay, she opted for a spa massage service, during which the alleged misconduct took place.
After the session, she reportedly informed others about the incident, which later led to the social media post that drew police attention. Officers said her formal complaint has now been recorded and attached to the FIR.
Police are also in touch with relevant authorities regarding her official delegate status and travel details as part of documentation.
Allegations against hotel staff under scrutiny
According to police sources, the complainant has also alleged that hotel representatives initially did not inform police about the incident and instead attempted to settle the matter internally. It is further alleged that money was offered to her and that she was warned against escalating the complaint.
Police said these allegations are being examined separately. Statements from hotel management, spa supervisors and other staff members are being recorded to verify the sequence of events after the complaint was raised.
If evidence supports claims of intimidation or suppression of complaint, additional legal provisions may be added to the case, officials said.
CCTV and internal records being reviewed
As part of the investigation, police teams are reviewing CCTV footage from spa entry and exit areas, internal access corridors and reception counters. Booking logs, therapist duty rosters and payment records are also being collected.
Forensic examination of digital communication, if any between staff and the complainant, may also be undertaken. Police said due process will be followed and all parties will be given an opportunity to present their version.
The accused therapist is being questioned regarding his conduct, training background and prior service record. Police are also checking whether any previous complaints had been made.
Safety protocols at hospitality spas in focus
The incident has renewed discussion around safety protocols in hotel spa and wellness facilities, especially those catering to international guests and delegates. Industry guidelines generally require clear consent procedures, service transparency and complaint escalation mechanisms.
Experts say hotels are expected to maintain strict supervision, background verification of therapists and visible reporting channels for guests. Prompt reporting to law enforcement is also considered a best practice in cases involving alleged misconduct.
Investigation continues
Police said the investigation is at an early stage and more details will emerge after evidence review and witness examination. Authorities emphasised that the case will be handled with sensitivity given the involvement of a foreign national and the nature of the allegations.
Further legal action will depend on findings gathered during the ongoing probe.