Kerala Spa Gang-Rape: Survivor's Ordeal, Arrests, & Police Probe
A woman employee at an Ayurvedic spa in Thiruvalla, Kerala, was gang-raped by a six-member gang on February 1, 2026, after the owner refused an extortion demand. Two accused have been arrested, and police are investigating the brutal assault, which included threats at knifepoint and filming, along with allegations of a police-criminal nexus.
Key Highlights
- Kerala spa employee gang-raped in Thiruvalla following extortion demand refusal.
- Six-member gang involved; prime accused 'Maranam Subin' and Berlin Das arrested.
- Survivor reported 35 minutes of horror, threatened at knifepoint.
- Assailants filmed the attack, took selfies, and robbed the premises.
- Police formed SIT, probing alleged nexus between police and criminal gangs.
- Incident on February 1, 2026, has ignited public outrage over women's safety.
A harrowing incident unfolded on February 1, 2026, at an Ayurvedic spa in Manjadi, Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, where a 23-year-old female employee was brutally gang-raped by a six-member gang. The crime occurred after the spa owner reportedly refused to pay an extortion sum of ₹50,000, commonly referred to as 'goonda tax', demanded by the local criminal group. The survivor's chilling account detailed a '35 minutes of horror' ordeal, during which a steel knife was held to her neck, and she was subjected to a brutal sexual assault on a spa bed.
According to police reports and the First Information Report (FIR), the gang, led by prime accused Subin Alexander Chacko, alias 'Maranam Subin', forcibly entered the Luxe Luminery Wellness Spa around 3:30 PM. When the owner, a native of Thrissur, declined their repeated demands for money, the situation escalated. The female employee was dragged into a room, stripped, and assaulted, with the attackers recording the act on mobile phones and taking selfies. Shockingly, another customer present at the spa was also reportedly harassed and forced to lie next to the victim, with videos being filmed. Before fleeing, the culprits also looted ₹2,500 from another staff member.
The incident came to light after confidential information reached the police, leading them to take *suo motu* cognisance of the matter, as the survivor initially hesitated to file a formal complaint. The police registered a case on February 3, 2026, after collecting statements and evidence. Two of the six accused have been apprehended: Subin Alexander Chacko (29), from Kuttapuzha, and Berlin Das (38), of Thiruvalla. Subin Alexander is a known habitual offender, with a history of criminal cases including attempted murder, and had previously been booked under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA), only to be released in March 2025 after six months of preventive detention. During attempts to arrest him, Subin reportedly attacked police officers with a pet dog, causing injuries. Four other members of the gang remain at large, and intensive efforts are underway to trace and arrest them.
In response to the gravity of the crime, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed under the leadership of Thiruvalla DySP T.R. Biju to probe the incident thoroughly. The case has taken further turns with the spa owner, Dr. Sanjay, alleging that the gang-rape was part of a 'quotation' issued by a competitor to ruin his business. He also made serious allegations of an unholy nexus between certain police officials and criminal gangs, claiming that police personnel attached to the Thiruvalla station allegedly received 'monthly payments' from local spas and that some officers were regular visitors. Following these directions from senior officials, the Home Department has ordered an internal inquiry to investigate these suspicions and ascertain if any police officers aided criminal gangs or were involved in misconduct. District Police Chief R. Anand has confirmed that the activities of all spas in the area will be probed and strict action will be taken against any personnel found guilty of complicity. The victim has reported severe psychological distress following the attack, highlighting the profound trauma inflicted. This incident has triggered widespread public outrage across Kerala, renewing concerns over the safety of women in workplaces and the escalating menace of organised extortion by criminal elements, prompting calls for swift justice and robust law enforcement measures.
Authorities have assured rigorous pursuit of the case, emphasizing that every aspect, including the alleged police misconduct and the spa owner's claims of a business rivalry conspiracy, will be thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability and justice for the survivor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core incident reported in the news?
A woman employee at an Ayurvedic spa in Thiruvalla, Kerala, was gang-raped by a six-member gang on February 1, 2026, after the spa owner refused to pay an extortion demand.
Who are the main accused arrested in connection with the crime?
Two individuals, Subin Alexander Chacko (alias 'Maranam Subin') and Berlin Das, have been arrested. Subin Alexander is identified as a habitual offender with a criminal history.
What are the allegations against the police in this case?
There are serious allegations of an unholy nexus between criminal gangs and some police officials in Thiruvalla, including claims of police receiving 'monthly payments' from spas and possible complicity in the incident. An internal inquiry has been launched to investigate these claims.
What action has been taken by the authorities regarding the investigation?
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the gang-rape. Additionally, an internal inquiry has been ordered by the Home Department to investigate allegations of police misconduct and collusion.
What were the circumstances of the assault according to the survivor?
The survivor recounted a '35 minutes of horror' during which she was threatened at knifepoint, assaulted, and filmed by the attackers. The gang also robbed money from the spa and harassed another customer.