15 people per day, burned for resisting: Fresh details emerge in Kovalam spa abuse case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More details have emerged in the case involving the alleged sexual abuse of a 16-year-old girl who was brought to a spa in Kovalam. Police said the girl had been subjected to brutal abuse, with reports indicating that around 15 people allegedly sexually abused her in a single day.

The complaint alleges that the girl's maternal aunt, Nagalakshmi, inflicted burn injuries on her body whenever she refused to comply. The repeated abuse reportedly caused an infection in the girl's genital area. Police also suspect that someone had been assigned to keep watch outside the room where the alleged abuse took place.

According to the investigation team, Sajith, the spa owner, allegedly brought the girl to Kovalam through a woman based in Bengaluru. Police are also investigating the alleged roles of Nagalakshmi and her male friend, Gopi, in the case.

Spa visitors and financial transactions under scrutiny

Police are examining visitor records and financial transactions linked to the spa. Investigators are compiling a list of people who visited the establishment from July onwards. Those who may have been involved will be identified based on the girl's statement.

Police said cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act would be registered against those found to have been involved in the alleged offences based on the girl's statement and other evidence.

Investigators suspect that up to Rs 5,000 was reaching the accused's bank accounts each day. Bank transactions are being examined to establish the source of the money. Police are also investigating whether auto-rickshaw drivers played any role in bringing the girl to the spa.

The investigation team plans to seek custody of the accused for further questioning and to collect additional evidence. Police said the accused were not cooperating with the investigation. Call Detail Records (CDRs) of the girl's maternal aunt and her husband are also being examined.

Girl allegedly brought to Kovalam about a year ago

Preliminary information suggests that the girl was brought to Kovalam in search of employment following the death of her parents. Nagalakshmi and Gopi allegedly brought her to the area around a year ago.

Police are continuing their investigation to identify those who allegedly sexually abused the girl and establish the extent of the suspected human trafficking network.