A 23-year-old woman working at an Ayurveda spa in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, was allegedly gang-raped on 1 February 2026 after the owner of the establishment refused to pay extortion money demanded by a local criminal gang, police said.
The accused include six men, one of whom identified as Subin Alexander is a habitual offender previously booked under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA). According to investigators, the group had repeatedly demanded ₹50,000 as “goonda tax” from the spa.
When the owner declined, the men stormed the premises, threatened employees, and assaulted the woman as an act of retaliation and intimidation. As per the latest updates, three of the accused have been arrested and remanded in judicial custody, while police teams continue to search for the remaining three suspects.
Senior officials have confirmed that CCTV footage and witness testimonies are being examined, and strict legal action has been promised. The case has triggered public outrage across Kerala and renewed concerns over the safety of women at workplaces and the menace of organised extortion.
Brutal Crime Linked to Extortion Demand
The disturbing incident unfolded at the Luxe Luminery Wellness Spa in Manjadi, a busy commercial area in Thiruvalla. Police officials stated that the accused arrived at the spa on the afternoon of February 1 and demanded ₹50,000 from the owner, claiming it was protection money required to run the business peacefully.
When the owner expressed his inability to pay and offered only a smaller amount, the gang allegedly turned violent. Investigators said the men forcibly entered the premises, threatened staff members, and created an atmosphere of fear. In the chaos, the main accused, Subin Alexander, allegedly dragged the woman employee into a room, threatened her with a knife, and sexually assaulted her.
Reports suggest that the gang members intimidated others present at the spa to ensure no one intervened. Deputy Superintendent of Police Jiju TR confirmed that a case of gang rape, criminal intimidation, and extortion has been registered, and that the police acted swiftly after receiving the complaint. “We have arrested three persons involved in the crime, including the prime accused.
Intensive efforts are on to track down the remaining accused. No one responsible will be spared,” the officer said. The victim has been provided medical and legal assistance, and her statement has been recorded before a magistrate. Authorities have assured that all procedures will be carried out with sensitivity and confidentiality.
Investigation, Reactions and Wider Concerns
The case has shaken the local community and drawn strong reactions from political leaders and civil society. Kerala Health Minister Veena George called the incident “deeply shocking and unacceptable” and said the state government would ensure exemplary punishment for those involved. She also urged the police to complete the investigation swiftly and to take measures so that similar crimes do not recur.
Law enforcement sources said that apart from analysing CCTV visuals from the spa and nearby locations, they are also examining call records and previous criminal histories of the accused. Subin Alexander, in particular, is known to the police for earlier cases related to violence and intimidation, which has raised questions about how such elements continue to operate with impunity.
The incident has also reignited debate on the prevalence of organised extortion rackets in certain parts of Kerala, where small businesses are often pressured to pay illegal “protection money.” Women’s rights groups have demanded stronger workplace safety protocols, faster response mechanisms, and stricter monitoring of habitual offenders.
Social media platforms have been flooded with expressions of anger and solidarity with the survivor, with many citizens asking why ordinary workers continue to remain vulnerable despite existing laws. The police have appealed to the public not to circulate any visuals or rumours related to the case and to allow the legal process to take its course.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
What happened in Thiruvalla is not merely a law-and-order problem; it is a painful reminder of how deeply sexual violence and criminal intimidation can scar individuals and communities. No person should have to fear for their safety simply for going to work, and no business should be forced to function under the shadow of extortion. The courage shown by the survivor and the spa owner in coming forward deserves respect and support, not sensationalism.
While swift arrests are an important first step, justice will truly be served only when the investigation is transparent, the trial is fair and fast, and the survivor receives long-term care and dignity. As a society, we must move beyond outrage and focus on prevention stronger community vigilance, safer workplaces, responsive policing and zero tolerance for those who misuse power to exploit the vulnerable.
