Thiruvananthapuram, 29 Oct (H.S.): Police investigating the alleged sexual abuse of a 16-year-old girl at spas in Kovalam have arrested a Tamil Nadu woman suspected of acting as an interstate intermediary, taking the number of arrests in the case to seven.

The accused, identified as Basil Vani, was taken into custody in Bengaluru, where she had allegedly been hiding. Police suspect she is linked to an interstate sex racket and are examining whether she facilitated the movement of other girls into Kerala.

According to investigators, Vani introduced the girl’s family to Sajith and Nishanth, two accused who were arrested earlier and are currently in judicial custody. She is reportedly a friend of the girl’s aunt.

The survivor told police that she had also been taken to spas in Tamil Nadu. Investigators are examining whether Vani had any involvement in those visits and are tracing her connections across state borders.

Meanwhile, police said arrested junior health inspector V.C. Maya operated the three spas where the alleged abuse occurred. Investigators suspect she acted as a proxy for health inspector Anuroop, who was arrested earlier in the case.

Police said Anuroop brought Maya into the business around two years ago. Revenue from the spas allegedly went into Maya’s bank account before being transferred to accounts belonging to Anuroop.

The investigation team seized mobile phones belonging to Anuroop and Nishanth. Investigators said the devices contained WhatsApp exchanges with Maya and details of financial transactions relevant to the inquiry.

Police also found evidence of telephone contact between Maya, the survivor’s aunt and others connected to the case. Investigators said Maya admitted her involvement when questioned with the evidence.

The inquiry is continuing into the financial arrangements behind the spas, the roles of those arrested and suspected interstate links involved in bringing the minor to the establishments.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman