Kerala Police Officer Suspended After Allegations of Harassment Against Dalit Domestic Worker

Investigation Launched Following Allegations

A sub-inspector from the Peroorkada Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has been suspended amid an ongoing investigation. This action follows allegations made by a Dalit domestic worker who claimed she was falsely accused of theft and subjected to mental harassment, as reported by officials on Monday.

The officer, identified as Prasad, faced suspension after R Bindhu, the complainant, detailed her experiences of mistreatment while in police custody. Bindhu has formally reached out to the Chief Minister, the State Police Chief, and the State SC/ST Commission regarding her ordeal.

Bindhu, a Thiruvananthapuram resident, was called to the police station on April 23 after her employer reported that 2.5 sovereigns of gold were missing. She was allegedly held for nearly 20 hours and pressured to confess to the theft, with threats made against her family.

In her statement, Bindhu recounted, 'I worked at that house for three days until April 19. I intended to return to work the following week when this incident occurred. Upon arriving at the station, my employer was present. The sub-inspector informed me of the missing gold and insisted I return it. I denied taking it. A female officer searched me and my belongings but found nothing. An FIR was filed against me, but the missing gold was later discovered at my employer's home. The police treated me poorly, with one officer threatening to involve my daughters and husband. He even suggested I drink water from a bucket in the bathroom when I asked for some.'

In response to the incident, VD Satheesan, the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala assembly, condemned the actions of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government. He stated, 'Even after the complaint was retracted, an FIR was still filed against the woman, and she faced threats. If Pinarayi Vijayan remains Chief Minister, will those visiting the police station be given toilet water? Is it just for this government to keep a woman in custody overnight?'