Kochi gang rape case: Spa shut down; two suspects still at large

Kalamassery (Kerala): The police have shut down Delight Spa in Koonamthai following the alleged gang rape of a young woman at an Edappally lodge. Sreeraj, who runs the spa, is the prime accused in the case. Police are currently searching for two remaining suspects.

Sreeraj and his associate Jith Martin were arrested by the police recently. A 23-year-old woman hailing from Wayanad and a young man named Sanju are the two suspects yet to be apprehended.

Sreeraj brought the victim to the lodge after placing an advertisement recruiting staff for the spa. The advertisement promised a salary, food and accommodation if required.

After seeing the advertisement, the woman attended an interview at the spa on the morning of October 2. Later that night, she was taken to the lodge in an online taxi under the pretext of introducing her to the office staff.

According to the police, Sreeraj and Jith Martin forcefully administered alcohol and drugs to the woman before subjecting her to rape and sexual assault. Police added that the woman from Wayanad also sexually assaulted her the following morning.

The victim returned home on the evening of October 3 and disclosed the incident to her husband, who then lodged a complaint at the police station. The victim, currently receiving hospital treatment, remains severely traumatised.