Two arrested after woman drugged and gang‑raped in Kochi following spa job promise

What happened

On 2 October 2026 a woman was summoned to a lodge in Edappally, Kochi, on the pretext of a job interview for a spa‑manager position. Police say the accused forced her to consume alcohol and a drug before assaulting her in a gang‑rape. The woman managed to inform her husband after the incident, and he filed a complaint with the Kalamassery police. She is now being treated in the intensive‑care unit of a local hospital.

Who was involved

The police have identified two suspects: Sreeraj, 30, a resident of Karthikappally in Alappuzha district, and Jith Martin, 27, from Thrikkakara in Ernakulam district. Both men were arrested on Sunday, two days after the alleged crime, and placed in judicial custody. Police sources say a fourth person – a woman – is also suspected of involvement, and that the two arrested may belong to a sexual racket that operates through some spas in the region.

Investigation and next steps

Kalamassery police say the suspects lured the victim with a promise of employment at a city spa, then drugged her and recorded the assault. While the two men have been remanded, the investigation is ongoing to uncover the full chain of events and to locate any additional accomplices. Police have indicated that more arrests are likely as they probe connections to other similar cases. The case has been registered as a criminal offence under sections relating to rape, drugging and criminal conspiracy.

The incident has raised concerns about fraudulent job offers being used as a lure for sexual violence. State officials have not yet commented on whether any spa establishments will be inspected as part of the probe.

What this means for the community

Local women's groups have called for stricter monitoring of recruitment agencies and for public awareness campaigns about such scams. The police have urged anyone who receives unsolicited job offers, especially those that require travel to unfamiliar locations, to verify the legitimacy of the employer before proceeding.

The case underscores the need for swift police action and victim support services. As the investigation proceeds, authorities promise to keep the public informed of any further developments.