Thiruvananthapuram: In a disturbing case of custodial abuse, a Dalit woman was allegedly subjected to overnight torture at the Peroorkada police station after being falsely accused of necklace theft — a charge that later proved baseless. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Prasannan, who was in charge during the incident, has been suspended following an internal investigation.
The inquiry, led by the Cantonment ACP, revealed gross misconduct and abuse of power by ASI Prasannan, including failure to follow standard procedures. CCTV footage and other records confirmed serious lapses in protocol. According to the victim, Bindu, the ASI was the primary perpetrator of the mistreatment and personally led the interrogation during her unlawful detention.
Sub-Inspector Prasad, who was also involved in the incident, had earlier been suspended for violating Supreme Court directives by detaining the woman without cause and conducting an illegal overnight interrogation.
Police have now launched a wider probe into the involvement of other officers and ordered a fresh investigation into the necklace theft case itself. The family later informed authorities that the missing necklace had been found at home, leading to Bindu’s release.
Bindu has since filed a formal complaint with the Director General of Police (DGP), which has been forwarded to the Police Commissioner. Authorities are also examining how the wrongful theft allegation originated in the first place.
