Keralam Police have been raiding spas across the state over the past three to four days under 'Operation Spa'. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala warned that establishments failing to meet legal requirements would be shut down.
Keralam Police have been raiding spas across the state over the past three to four days under 'Operation Spa'.
Thrissur,Oct 19, 2026 10:55 IST
Keralam will intensify its crackdown on spas operating illegally following complaints of sexual exploitation of women and financial fraud, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said on Monday, according to news agency PTI.
Police have been raiding spas across the state over the past three to four days under 'Operation Spa'. Chennithala warned that establishments failing to meet legal requirements would be shut down.
Speaking to reporters in Thrissur, Chennithala referred to the recent arrest of several people after a minor was sexually assaulted at a spa in Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram. In another incident, a woman was allegedly gang-raped after being promised a job at a spa in Kochi.
"Spas are being opened across Keralam under the Shops and Establishments Act without proper adherence to legal requirements. There is little clarity about who is starting these establishments or what activities are taking place there. The government is seriously considering legislation to regulate this sector," PTI quoted him as saying.
Chennithala said complaints had emerged from several parts of the state about the exploitation of women, families being taken advantage of and people being cheated by such establishments.
"Women are being brought from within and outside Keralam, employed at these establishments and exploited. Numerous complaints are coming to light. Sexual exploitation has emerged as a major concern in this sector," he said.
The minister said several spas were operating without licences or accountability, while some were allegedly collecting money from customers through fraudulent practices.
"Such spas must be shut down immediately. There is no question of allowing them to operate in Keralam. Those running these establishments must stop such activities or face strict legal action," he said.
Chennithala said police had already conducted raids and registered cases, and stronger action would follow. While acknowledging that some spas operated properly, he said stricter legal measures were needed to prevent exploitation and cheating.
Referring to the anti-drug campaign 'Operation Toofan', Chennithala said it would be expanded across the state with greater public participation. "Operation Toofan has been implemented successfully by the Keralam Police with public support. Steps are now being taken to expand it further and reach more people," he said.
According to PTI, Chennithala said he had held detailed online discussions with all district police chiefs and senior officers to strengthen the campaign in every district. The Director General of Police and officers coordinating Operation Toofan also attended the meeting.
Citing the campaign's impact, the minister said drug use in Keralam had declined by more than 30 per cent. Violent incidents, murders and law-and-order problems had also fallen considerably, he said.
"People are cooperating in all regions, and women, in particular, are extending significant support to Operation Toofan," Chennithala said.
On drunk driving, the minister said police had apprehended around 10,000 people for driving under the influence of alcohol during vehicle checks conducted across Keralam over two days.
"Drunk driving will not be allowed under any circumstances. Strict action will be taken under the Motor Vehicles Act, including cancellation of driving licences, particularly in cases involving accidents," he said.
Chennithala said enforcement would be strengthened during the festive season to prevent drunk driving and road accidents, alongside tougher action against illegal spas and the expansion of the state's anti-drug campaign.
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