Thiruvananthapuram: Home minister Ramesh Chennithala has said the state govt will launch ‘Operation Spa’ to crack down on spas operating illegally. Govt is seriously considering legislation to regulate spas in the state, he said, adding that the police were treating the identification of unauthorised establishments as a serious matter.He said spas were being opened across Keralam under the Shops and Establishments Act without complying with other legal requirements. Sexual exploitation had emerged as a major concern at several such establishments, he said.The minister said there was little clarity about who was setting up these spas and what activities were being carried out there. He alleged that several establishments in different parts of the state were exploiting women and their families and cheating people.Women were being brought from within and outside Kerala and employed at these establishments, where they were allegedly subjected to exploitation, he said. Complaints about spa operations have increased significantly over the past few days.Chennithala said the functioning of spas operating without licences and accountability must be stopped immediately. Otherwise, govt would initiate strong legal action against those responsible.A 16-year-old girl was allegedly subjected to brutal sexual abuse at a spa in Kovalam recently. A few days earlier, a woman was allegedly gang-raped at a spa in Kalamassery.Ayurveda association demands actionAyurveda Medical Association of India (AMAI) has called for the closure of fake ayurveda spas and massage parlours operating under the guise of ayurveda.The association said reports had emerged from various parts of Keralam on several illegal activities, including sex trade, taking place at such establishments, which allegedly operate without the services of qualified professionals.AMAI office-bearers said the association had submitted several complaints against these establishments. They alleged that spas operating without complying with the prescribed laws and regulations were tarnishing the image of ayurveda and damaging Kerala’s tourism prospects.AMAI state president Dr K S Vishnu Namboothiri and state general secretary Dr P K Haridas called for action to shut down such illegal establishments.
