Illegal spa racket under scrutiny as police widen crackdown in Kozhikode city

The police have stepped up their crackdown on illegal spas and massage centres, inspecting around 70 establishments, and shutting down 20 for lack of adequate documents, and issuing closure notices to six others in Kozhikode city amid growing concerns over unlawful activities in the sector.The intensified drive follows a recent incident in which a 20-year-old woman was allegedly sexually tortured in Kochi ahead of joining a spa, prompting the Home Department to tighten surveillance of establishments in the sector. The recent exposure of Bangladeshi women allegedly working as spa therapists using forged documents has further heightened concerns over the verification of employees’ identities and credentials.Following the flash inspections conducted on October 17 covering all suspected locations, the police registered cases at four police stations — Elathur, Kasaba, Town and Nadakkavu — and arrested four persons during the inspections. The search was carried out with the support of a special squad under the supervision of District Police Chief (Kozhikode city) A.P. Shoukathali.As part of the crackdown, spa and massage centre operators have been directed to maintain registers containing the personal details of all employees and submit them to the police for verification. The police will scrutinise the identity documents and other credentials of workers, besides checking whether establishments possess the requisite licences and statutory permissions.The inspections are aimed at identifying establishments operating without mandatory approvals and those allegedly engaging in illegal activities under the cover of permitted spa and massage services. The police have warned that stringent action will be taken against establishments found violating the law.“There have been frequent complaints that the women massage therapists are being encouraged to offer sexual services to the customers for additional income. There were also reports that some spa operators do not offer a fixed salary to the therapists but encourage them to secure tips offering erotic massage sessions,” said a senior police officer who was part of the special squad. He said the financially backward women were found mostly exploited in such illegal massage centresPolice officers confirm that action will not be confined to owners and managers. Employees found working without valid documents and others whose involvement in criminal activities is established during investigations will also face legal proceedings.Customers visiting such establishments could face action if evidence establishes their involvement in offences, the police warned. According to them, one of the four arrested was a customer from Malappuram district who allegedly sought illegal service from a woman therapist.Mr. Shoukathali confirms that the inspections will continue in the days to come in coordination with the Corporation and other local self-government institutions. The police said the enforcement drive was intended to curb illegal activities while ensuring that establishments operating within the law could continue their business without unnecessary interference, he said.The verification of employee records, licences and other mandatory documents is expected to remain a key component of the continuing crackdown. Corporation authorities point out that they have already examined the details of several spas in Kozhikode city in an earlier special drive. Several illegal units had been shut down following the raids, they said. Published - October 18, 2026 01:12 pm IST