World · India Bureau
Kerala Police expand probe into Kovalam spa abuse case as TN team arrives
Authorities have widened their investigation into alleged sexual exploitation at a Kovalam wellness centre, with Tamil Nadu Police joining Kerala counterparts. The case involves a minor allegedly trafficked across three states.
LSN India ·
Kerala Police have expanded their Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged sexual abuse at a spa facility in Kovalam, as Tamil Nadu Police arrived in the state to assist with the cross-border investigation.
The case centres on allegations of sexual exploitation involving a 16-year-old survivor whose statement has revealed a trafficking pattern spanning multiple states. According to her account, the teenager was transported from Andhra Pradesh to Bengaluru before being moved to Chennai, and subsequently brought to Kerala.
The multi-state nature of the alleged trafficking has necessitated coordination between police departments across three states. The involvement of Tamil Nadu Police indicates the seriousness with which authorities are treating the investigation and their commitment to establishing the full scope of the network allegedly involved in the exploitation.
Kerala Police's decision to expand the SIT reflects the complexity of the investigation and the need for additional resources and expertise to trace the movements of the victim and identify all individuals allegedly involved in the trafficking and exploitation network.
The case highlights concerns about inter-state trafficking of minors and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through commercial establishments. Authorities are expected to coordinate their findings to ensure comprehensive investigation and potential prosecution of all those implicated in the matter.