Police launch Operation Spa across Kerala; five arrested, cases registered against 14 establishments

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police have registered cases against 14 spa centres following surprise inspections conducted at various locations across Kerala. Five people have been arrested so far. Of the 821 spa centres in the state, 586 centres were inspected as part of the special drive named 'Operation Spa'. The inspections were carried out on the instructions of Law and Order ADGP P. Vijayan.

Kozhikode City recorded the highest number of cases and arrests. Of the 87 spa centres in the city, 70 were raided. Four cases were registered and four people were arrested. In Malappuram district, 71 of the 78 centres were inspected. The police also inspected 56 of the 58 centres in Thrissur City and 55 of the 71 centres in Palakkad. Three cases each were registered in Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha. Two cases were registered in Ernakulam Rural, while Kottayam and Idukki districts reported one case each.

The police have also issued notices to 44 spa centres for failing to comply with the rules. Law and Order ADGP P. Vijayan said strict action would continue against establishments violating the law. The intensified inspections follow recent reports of incidents involving spa centres in the state.