Kozhikode: In a major crackdown on illegal trafficking, the Perambra Police on Wednesday arrested two men for allegedly running an immoral trafficking racket under the cover of an Ayurvedic massage centre in Kozhikode district.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Krishna Das, a native of Alathur in Palakkad and the owner of the "Ayush Ayurvedic Spa", and Anto, the manager of the establishment from Chempanoda. Police said the spa was a front for illegal activities, with multiple people involved in the operation.

The arrests were made following a week-long surveillance operation initiated after repeated complaints from residents in the area. The raid was conducted by a team led by Rural SP KE Baiju and DYSP Sunil Kumar, who confirmed the presence of immoral activities at the centre during the inspection.

Police found out that the illegal establishment had been operating in a rented building for more than a year. After receiving a tip-off about customers frequenting the spot regularly, that many people were coming daily and paying up to Rs 1000 for services, the raid was conducted.  

The raid was conducted by a squad under Kozhikode Rural District Police Chief KE Baiju, Perambra DySP N Sunil Kumar, and the Perambra Police, following multiple complaints from residents. Upon hearing the news of the raid, a large crowd gathered in front of the establishment.

In addition to the two main accused, police have booked six more individuals — four women employed at the spa and two customers — in connection with the case. All six are currently absconding.

The arrested have been charged under various provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, and further investigations are underway to trace the remaining accused and determine the full extent of the racket.

Inspector EK Shiju, SI Manoj Ramath, ASIs Anoop, Sadanandan, Sudharatnam, Senior Civil Police Officers T Vineesh, NM Shafi, CPOs Sinjudas, KK Jayesh, Rajilesh, Sujila participated in the raid.