PATHANAMTHITTA: In a shocking incident, a woman employee of a spa in Tiruvalla was allegedly gangraped after the management refused to pay extortion money demanded by a gang of goons, who included a KAAPA-listed accused. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred on February 1. Four others are absconding.
According to Tiruvalla police, the accused had repeatedly visited the spa, located on the outskirts of Tiruvalla town, demanding ‘gunda pirivu’ (extortion money) of Rs 50,000. When the spa owner refused, the gang allegedly threatened the staff. On the afternoon of February 1, the gang allegedly stormed into the spa, forcibly dragged the woman employee into a room at knife point, and raped her, the police said.
Efforts on to nab absconding accused
The accused are alleged to have recorded the act on a mobile phone. Besides the victim, two others were present at the spa at the time of the incident. The gang also threatened a woman who was at the spa and robbed her of cash, the police said. Before fleeing, the gang allegedly took `25,000 in cash from the establishment. They also threatened the victim and staff with dire consequences, including death, if they informed the police.
Disturbing visuals of the goons barging into the spa and allegedly indulging in acts of intimidation and violence have since surfaced.
After being tipped off, the police registered a case suo motu on February 3, naming six persons as accused under relevant sections of the BNS, including charges of gangrape, extortion, criminal intimidation, and robbery.
The arrested are prime accused Marana Subin alias Subin Alexander, 27, a native of Kuttapuzha in Tiruvalla, who has multiple criminal cases registered against him, including one under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA), and Berlin Das, an aide of Subin and a resident of Tiruvalla.
There were allegations that attempts were made by certain quarters to settle the case and hush up the matter, sources said.
Meanwhile, dramatic scenes unfolded during the arrest of Subin Alexander from his house in Kuttappuzha, when his pet dogs allegedly attacked the police team. Two cops sustained minor injuries in the incident. Police said Subin is a habitual offender involved in several criminal cases.
“We are making all efforts to nab the absconding accused at the earliest,” a senior police officer said.