Money offered to victim's family; Move ongoing to sabotage Kalamassery gangrape case

KOCHI: A move is ongoing to sabotage the Kalamassery gangrape case. The group backing the accused offered money to the victim's relatives to withdraw the complaint. However, the relatives of the victim, a married woman, remain firm in pursuing the case. A senior police official told *Kerala Kaumudi* that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted in light of this attempt to sabotage the case.

Meanwhile, Saranya (Ammu)—a native of Alappuzha—and Sanju, apprehended in Wayanad, were brought to Kochi, and their arrests were formally recorded. They were subsequently interrogated under the supervision of the Thrikkakara Assistant Commissioner. Later that night, they were produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody; police custody will be sought at a later stage.

The first accused (the spa operator), Sreeraj—a native of Karthikappally, Alappuzha—and the fourth accused, Jith Martin—from Kuthiraparambil, Thevakkal, Thrikkakara—arrested earlier in the case, were remanded to police custody for two days. Interrogation is currently underway.

Evidence collection is scheduled for today at the 'Delight Spa' in Unichira, Kalamassery, and at a lodge in Edappally. The accused, who arrived in Kochi seeking employment, started their own spa after gaining experience working at various other spas. However, they used the spa as a cover to conduct many illicit activities. A detailed statement will be recorded from the victim, who is currently undergoing treatment at Kalamassery Medical College.

On the second of October, the married woman was lured to a private lodge in Edappally under the pretext of a spa manager job offer. However, she was intoxicated by the gang and subjected to sexual torture.

The police discovered that the accused had a well-laid plan. They would initially promise employment to those who responded to advertisements. Subsequently, the victims would be summoned to a different location, drugged, and subjected to sexual assault. The perpetrators would then record the acts and use the footage to blackmail and control the victims. The police suspect that many others too have been ensnared in this manner.