Thiruvananthapuram: Police have collected the details of suspected customers who allegedly sexually exploited a minor girl from Andhra Pradesh at spas in Kovalam and other locations, with the special investigation team (SIT) indicating that more arrests are likely in the case.Police have collected the details of the suspected customers linked to four spas in Kovalam, one establishment at Chappath, Idukki, and another in Wayanad, a police officer said.A test identification parade is expected to be held after the minor, who has been taken to Tamil Nadu by police for evidence collection there, is brought back to Kerala. More arrests are likely once the identification procedures and examination of other evidence are over, the officer said.The SIT completed evidence collection with a 47-year-old junior health inspector, who was taken into custody in connection with the case. As part of it, police carried out a detailed search at Dreams Spa in Kovalam. A storeroom that was found locked during an earlier inspection was opened after police summoned the building owner.The room was opened in the presence of the village officer. Police recovered five bundles of contraceptive devices, containing more than 100 units, from the room. CCTV footage and pen drives were also seized from the premises.Police also recovered a written agreement between the building owner and those operating the spa. The electronic devices and documents will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation, a police officer said.The SIT has deployed two teams. While one team searched the Poovar residence of the fourth accused, Nishanth, another searched the Kovalam spa and collected evidence.Police are expected to take the third accused, Sajith Kumar, and Nishanth into custody for further evidence collection.Police also said they would move legally, seeking custody of the victim’s younger aunt, the first accused in the case, after she is discharged from hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment.Eight persons have been arrested in the case. Police have completed evidence collection with two of the accused.The SIT is continuing its probe into the alleged network involved in taking the minor girl to multiple locations and facilitating her sexual exploitation. Police said further arrests could follow as more evidence is collected and the suspected customers are identified.
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