Kerala Police initiates inquiry into alleged custodial harassment of Dalit woman at Peroorkada police station
Bindu R., a domestic worker and mother of two children, was taken into custody on April 23 after a complaint was filed by her employer, alleging that she had stolen 2.5 sovereigns of gold. While she took up the job at the house in Ambalamukku on April 14, she worked only for three days until April 19 before discontinuing.
She was purportedly called to the police station around 3.30 p.m. and 'detained' for nearly 20 hours. During her time at the station, Ms. Bindu alleges she was subjected to inhumane treatment, including being told to drink water from the washroom when she asked for water. She claims the officers coerced her into confessing to the theft by threatening to implicate her two minor daughters, and her husband in the case.
Despite a search of her residence yielding nothing, she was booked under Section 306 (theft by a clerk or servant) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). She also alleged that she spent the night at the police station and was denied food until the following afternoon.
The accusations eventually unravelled when the complainant informed the police that the missing gold necklace had been found at their own residence. Ms. Bindu has since filed formal complaints with the Chief Minister, State Police Complaint Authority and the State SC/ST Commission. The Commission has initiated an inquiry and has instructed the Thiruvananthapuram City Police to submit a report in this regard.
Seeks action against cop
Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan called for strict legal action against the officers involved in the issue. He also criticised the perceived inaction of the Home department in redressing the complainant's grievance. He further alleged that the absence of accountability in the department and the political patronage of law enforcement enables such abuse of power. He said that the conduct of the police officers amounts to gross violation of human rights and the law.
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