Thiruvananthapuram, 19 Oct (H.S.):

A special investigation team, including cyber experts, has been formed to probe the alleged sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old girl from Andhra Pradesh at spas in Kovalam, amid indications that an interstate racket was involved.

Police suspect that several people were linked to the exploitation and said more accused could be identified as the investigation progresses. An identification parade is planned to help establish the identities of those who allegedly abused the girl.

Investigators are also examining information suggesting that she had previously faced sexual abuse in Chennai, besides Thiruvananthapuram. The inquiry will look into the suspected network’s interstate connections and the involvement of people associated with the establishments.

The girl, who had lost both parents, was living under the care of her maternal aunt. According to police, relatives brought her to Kovalam in July after promising her employment.

She was subsequently allegedly confined at different spas and subjected to repeated sexual exploitation over several months.

Unable to endure the abuse, the girl escaped with help from a Malayali employee working at one of the spas, police said.

Her aunt, who allegedly accepted money to hand her over to those operating the racket, later approached police with a missing-person complaint.

The subsequent investigation and counselling provided to the girl brought the alleged exploitation to light, prompting a wider inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her arrival in Kovalam and confinement.

Police said the aunt and her husband went into hiding after details of the case emerged. A police team traced and apprehended them in Andhra Pradesh.

The couple are expected to be brought to Thiruvananthapuram on Monday for detailed questioning.

Investigators will examine their alleged role in bringing the girl to Kerala, the suspected financial transactions and their links with others involved. Police indicated that the accused list could expand further.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman