Spa Employee Gang-Raped in Thiruvalla After Owner Refuses Extortion Money
In a shocking incident in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district, a female employee of a local spa was allegedly gang-raped by six men after the establishment's owner refused to pay extortion money. Police have confirmed the brutal attack, which occurred on February 1 around 3:30 PM, highlighting a disturbing pattern of criminal intimidation and violence.
Extortion Demand Escalates to Sexual Assault
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the prime accused, Subin Alexander (29), also known as Marana Subin from Kuttapuzha Pappiniveli, along with his accomplices, had been visiting the spa for several days, demanding money from the owner. The owner, a native of Thrissur, consistently refused their demands. On the day of the incident, the group escalated their threats by demanding Rs 50,000. When the owner again refused, the situation turned violent.
The assailants forcibly took the woman employee to an adjacent room within the spa. They pushed her onto a spa bed and, while threatening her with a knife, proceeded to gang-rape her. The accused did not stop there; they filmed the entire act, took selfies during the assault, and physically assaulted the victim. In a further act of cruelty, another individual who arrived at the spa was also assaulted and forced to lie next to the woman while Subin recorded the scene. The group also stole Rs 2,500 from the spa before fleeing.
Arrests Made as Police Pursue Remaining Accused
Two of the accused have been apprehended and remanded to custody. Subin Alexander was arrested on Tuesday, and Berlin Das (38) from Muppiri was arrested on Wednesday. However, four other accomplices remain at large, with police actively searching for them. The victim, who initially hesitated to file a complaint, provided her statement to authorities on Tuesday, leading to the arrests. There are allegations that attempts were made to settle the matter privately and prevent the victim from coming forward, but the case gained attention after CCTV footage of the suspects at the spa was leaked.
Prime Accused is a Habitual Offender with Violent History
Subin Alexander has a long criminal record, with 11 cases registered against him at the Thiruvalla police station. These include charges of attempted murder, theft, assault, and destruction of public property. He was previously detained under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention (Kaapa) Act but had been released on bail recently. His violent tendencies were further demonstrated when police attempted to arrest him for this crime; he unleashed a dog on the officers, injuring Sub-Inspector Unnikrishnan and Civil Police Officer Abhilash, both of whom required medical treatment. Berlin Das also has a prior assault case against him.
The identity of the victim has been protected in accordance with Supreme Court directives regarding sexual assault cases, ensuring her privacy and dignity are maintained throughout the investigation.
