Thrissur , Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Monday said the drive against illegally operating spas would be intensified, citing complaints of widespread exploitation of women and financial fraud at such establishments.
“Spas are being opened across Keralam under the Shops and Establishments Act without proper adherence to legal requirements. There is little clarity about who is starting these establishments or what activities are taking place there. “Women are being brought from within and outside Keralam, employed at these establishments and exploited. Numerous complaints are coming to light.
On drunk driving, the minister said police have apprehended around 10,000 people for driving under the influence of alcohol during vehicle inspections conducted across Keralam over two days.
Speaking to reporters, he said police have been conducting raids at spas across Keralam over the past three to four days as part of ‘Operation Spa’ and warned that establishments that do not comply with legal requirements would be shut down. The government is seriously considering legislation to regulate this sector,” he said. Chennithala said complaints have emerged from several parts of the state about women being exploited, families being taken advantage of and people being cheated by such establishments. Sexual exploitation has emerged as a major concern in this sector,” he said. He said several spas were functioning without licences or a sense of responsibility, while some were allegedly collecting money from customers through fraudulent practices. The minister said police have already conducted raids and registered cases, and stronger action would follow.
