16-year-old girl sold to spa in Kovalam by relatives; subjected to sexual abuse, two arrested

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A 16-year-old girl was allegedly sold by her aunt and uncle to a spa in Kovalam. The minor, a native of Andhra Pradesh, was reportedly sexually exploited by around 10 different spas. Police have arrested two men in connection with the case, identified as Sajith from Alappuzha and Nishanth from Poovar.

The incident came to light after the girl fell in love with a young man at one of the spas and tried to run away from the place.

According to reports, the girl's parents had passed away, and she was under the care of her maternal aunt and uncle. They brought her to Kovalam in July and allegedly left her there before returning to Andhra Pradesh. Since July, the teenager had been working at various spas, during which time she faced sexual abuse.

Police are currently investigating whether more people are involved and suspect the possible operation of a sex racket behind the incident. Further probes are underway to track down illegal spas and transactions routed through various agents.