Custodial Torture of Dalit Woman in Thiruvananthapuram Sparks Outrage and Demands for Justice

The alleged custodial abuse of a Dalit domestic worker named Bindu at the Peroorkada Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram has shocked the conscience of Kerala and sparked widespread protests. Bindu R., a 39-year-old resident of Panavoor, had worked for just three days at a household where an 18-gram gold necklace went missing. She was then taken into police custody. On April 23, she was detained at the Peroorkada Police Station, where she claims to have been subjected to mental harassment for over 20 hours. Bindu alleges that she was denied drinking water, threatened that her daughters would be implicated if she didn’t confess, and was forced to undergo a humiliating strip search by female officers.

Later, the missing necklace was found in the complainant's own house. Despite this, there was a delay in withdrawing the FIR registered against Bindu, drawing sharp criticism. This led Bindu to file complaints with the Chief Minister’s Office, the State Police Chief, and the Scheduled Caste Commission. Following a preliminary investigation, Sub-Inspector S.G. Prasad was suspended, as confirmed by Police Commissioner Thomson Jose. Further action will be taken based on the detailed report from the Cantonment Assistant Commissioner. The Home Department has also launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan strongly condemned the incident, pointing out the politicization of the police force and the lack of accountability as key reasons behind such abuses. Human rights activists and political leaders also voiced strong reactions. Reports that Bindu’s complaint was dismissed by the Chief Minister’s Office have further fueled public anger. The call for justice for Bindu and measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents are growing louder across the state.

This case has once again brought to the forefront the urgent need for reform within the police system and the importance of ensuring humane treatment of individuals, especially those from marginalized communities.