Thiruvalla (Pathanamthitta): A lightning inspection carried out by the municipality health department has found that cross-gender massage was being offered at a spa operating in the city. The violation was detected during an inspection at a spa located in Ramanchira.

When the officials entered the premises, a young man who was inside the massage room ran out of the facility. A female employee was present inside the room at the time. The authorities have decided to issue a notice directing the spa owner to shut down the establishment. Lightning inspections were conducted at five spas across Thiruvalla on Wednesday.

Also Read: Kerala spa employee assaulted, forcibly kissed; history-sheeter Marana Subin among three held 

The inspections were undertaken following a recent incident in which a spa employee was allegedly harassed over the non-payment of money demanded through force or intimidation. The team also visited the spa linked to the harassment case, but it was found closed, preventing officials from conducting an inspection there.

During the drive, the inspection team checked another spa in the vicinity and found massage rooms and related facilities operating on the premises. A notice was served to the establishment seeking an explanation.

Also Read: Kerala spa sexual assault: Police deny lapses in handling case; hired attack suspected 

Officials also identified a spa functioning under the cover of a salon in Ramanchira. According to the inspection team, the establishment does not possess a valid licence. A notice has been issued directing the management to produce the necessary documents.