Kochi gang rape case: Spa racket under police scanner; survivor battles trauma, financial strain

Kochi: What began as a search for a spa manager's job allegedly turned into nearly two days of captivity, forced drugging and sexual violence for a woman in Kochi, with the investigation now pointing to a suspected sex trafficking network operating through spa businesses.

The latest findings have emerged as police continue investigating the alleged assault at a lodge in Edappally on October 2. The woman had been lured to the area after responding to a social media advertisement for a temporary spa manager's post.

Job search leads woman into alleged trap

The survivor, a former teacher, had lost her job after relocating and was looking for financial stability when she applied for the position online. She is a Dalit woman and was undergoing treatment for depression following a recent abortion, according to the details emerging in the investigation.

She reached the location for an interview at around 9.45am on October 2. Her husband, a taxi driver, was working in Munnar at the time.

Initially, she remained in contact with him. At one point, she messaged him saying she had been selected for the job and was returning home. She continued communicating with him until around 11am, after which her phone became unreachable.

Later that evening, she was allegedly called to an informal gathering at a private lodge in Edappally.

According to the investigation, she was served ice cream, beer and food that had been secretly mixed with drugs and narcotics. She soon lost consciousness.

Woman alleges repeated assault during captivity

When the woman regained partial consciousness the following morning, she found that her clothes had been ripped off. She then realised that she was allegedly being sexually assaulted repeatedly.

Several people were allegedly involved. A woman identified as Ammu, from Wayanad, is accused of actively participating in the physical and sexual abuse, according to the investigation.

A man identified as Sanju allegedly stood guard outside to prevent her from escaping. Two other men also allegedly attempted to assault her.

The survivor tried to protect herself by locking herself inside the bathroom. The attackers allegedly broke down the door, dragged her out and continued to administer food mixed with drugs three times a day.

She was allegedly kept in captivity for around one-and-a-half to two days.

Beer bottle helps survivor force release

The woman made a desperate attempt to resist when two more men allegedly arrived at the lodge on the second evening.

She smashed a beer bottle and threatened to end her life or stab anyone who approached her, according to the account given during the investigation.

The accused then allegedly returned her phone and released her. Before letting her go, they reportedly threatened to kill her if she informed the police. They also allegedly claimed to possess videos recorded during the assault.

The woman returned home in severe physical and emotional distress before eventually reporting what had happened.

Investigation uncovers alleged spa fronts

Kalamassery police registered the FIR on Sunday, October 4, following her complaint.

A police team led by Inspector Abhilash A L, along with Sub-Inspectors Ram Lal and Binu V S, SCPO Libin Kumar and officers Sijil Suresh and Aneesh, conducted raids as part of the investigation.

Police had already arrested Sreeraj, 30, of Karthikappally in Alappuzha, and Jith Martin, 27, of Thevakkal in Ernakulam. Both were produced before court and remanded in judicial custody.

The latest investigation, however, has widened beyond the alleged assault at the lodge.

Police found that Sreeraj had allegedly operated at least three spas over four years, using them as fronts for a sex trafficking racket, according to the investigation.

District Police Chief Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said medical examinations had confirmed multiple injuries to the survivor's body resulting from the alleged sexual abuse.

Police have launched surprise inspections at spas in the area as part of the wider probe. Efforts are also under way to trace other alleged accomplices, including Ammu and Sanju.

Medical treatment adds to family's financial burden

The survivor is now facing serious physical and financial difficulties following the alleged assault.

Although hospital examinations confirmed extensive physical trauma, she reportedly encountered an administrative hurdle in accessing state medical assistance because her name was listed on her mother's ration card.

As a result, her husband had to pay the hospital bills from his own pocket. The expenses reportedly exhausted savings that had been set aside for the family's house rent.

The family and local representatives have sought urgent government intervention, protection and rehabilitation support for the survivor. They have also demanded strict legal action against everyone found to be involved in the alleged trafficking network.

Police are continuing their investigation to identify the remaining accused and establish the full extent of the alleged operation.