Bengaluru Police Arrest Hotel Spa Therapist Following Complaint by Canadian Government Delegate
In a significant development concerning women's safety and hospitality standards, Bengaluru police have taken into custody a male spa therapist employed at a prominent luxury hotel located on Palace Road in the city's Central Business District. The arrest was executed after a formal complaint was lodged by a 44-year-old Canadian woman who was visiting India as part of an official Canadian government delegation to attend a high-level conference.
Details of the Alleged Incident and Initial Hotel Response
The complainant, whose identity remains protected, alleged that the 32-year-old therapist engaged in unacceptable and inappropriate physical contact during a massage session at the hotel's spa facility. According to her detailed statement to authorities, the therapist reportedly opened the treatment room door while she was in a vulnerable state, causing her considerable distress and humiliation. The incident is said to have occurred within the jurisdiction of the Vidhana Soudha police station.
Immediately after the traumatic experience, the woman reported the matter to the hotel management. However, she claims her serious concerns were not addressed with the urgency or gravity they warranted. Instead of initiating a formal internal investigation or supporting her, the hotel management allegedly refunded only ₹7,000 of the original ₹10,000 spa fee and advised her against pursuing the matter further. Dissatisfied with this response, the delegate subsequently approached the Bengaluru City Police to file an official First Information Report (FIR).
Police Investigation and Social Media's Pivotal Role
Based on the woman's comprehensive complaint, police officials registered a case and swiftly arrested the accused therapist for detailed questioning. Investigators are currently examining multiple pieces of evidence, including witness statements, detailed hotel records, and potential surveillance footage from the premises. Authorities have stated that any further legal proceedings will be contingent upon the evidence gathered and the conclusive findings of the ongoing inquiry.
Notably, the police's awareness of this incident was significantly amplified through social media activism. A user on the platform X (formerly Twitter), identified as Surya Pratap Rana, posted extensive details about the alleged misconduct. His posts highlighted that the victim was a foreign delegate and criticized the hotel's handling of the situation, framing it as an issue impacting women's safety, tourist security, and India's international reputation.
Rana's social media thread included claims that the woman was "threatened into silence" after confronting the therapist and that the hotel management attempted to downplay the incident. He also shared a redacted copy of the FIR details. After being tagged in the posts, the official Bengaluru Police account responded, requesting specific location details, which ultimately led to their intervention. Rana later publicly thanked Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr. Priyadarshini Ishwar Sanikopp for the prompt action taken by the force.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Scrutiny
This case has raised serious questions about protocol and victim support within high-end hospitality establishments, especially when involving international guests. The allegation that a foreign government delegate faced such an experience while attending an official conference has added a layer of diplomatic sensitivity to the proceedings.
The police investigation remains active, focusing not only on the alleged actions of the individual therapist but also on examining the hotel management's initial response to the complaint. The outcome of this case is being closely watched, as it touches upon critical themes of accountability, guest safety, and institutional responsibility in Bengaluru's service industry.
