KOZHIKODE — A growing number of spas and Ayurveda wellness centres in Kozhikode district are under intense police scrutiny following confidential complaints hinting at suspected sex trafficking and financial exploitation.
The move comes after the arrest of six individuals — including four women — from a suspected wellness centre in Perambra. The arrests were made under Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (trafficking of persons).
Police officials have revealed that investigations are focused on verifying the registrations of newly opened centres and the authenticity of their staff, particularly with a spotlight on untrained non-Keralite women being employed as therapists. Flash inspections at multiple locations are being planned as complaints continue to rise.
According to investigators, several arrested women disclosed systemic exploitation, both financially and sexually. Reports suggest additional payments were being offered for sexual services under the guise of therapy in these unlicensed operations.
Authorities are also targeting outdoor publicity tactics, such as posters and contact numbers displayed in public spaces, many of which were linked to operators based in remote, untraceable locations. These numbers often lack proper registration and are believed to be part of a wider illegal network.
Meanwhile, legitimate spa and wellness centre owners have welcomed the crackdown, stating it helps protect their credibility and filter out fraudulent players harming the industry. “We follow all legal norms and hire only trained staff. It’s time the police weed out illegal operators tarnishing our reputation,” said the owner of a newly registered spa in Kozhikode city.
Police have assured that the drive will intensify in the coming weeks, with a firm focus on verifying staff credentials, registration papers, and cracking down on exploitative setups operating under the wellness label.