Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu:
Serious allegations of police misconduct, illegal detention, custodial violence, and sexual abuse have been raised against Inspector K. Ambedkar of Annamalai Nagar Police Station, Cuddalore district. The complaint was lodged by Theni Elamathi, Social Activist and State Deputy Secretary of the Viduthalai Siruthaikal Party, on behalf of Ms. Geetha S, a resident of Lalpuram, Cuddalore.
According to the complaint, Inspector K. Ambedkar allegedly visited the residence of Ms. Geetha S in connection with an enquiry about her husband’s whereabouts. At the time, Ms. Geetha was reportedly alone at home. It is alleged that without issuing any notice or warrant, the Inspector forcibly took her into custody. The complaint further alleges that she was physically assaulted, including being pulled by her hair, and taken in a police vehicle to Annamalai Nagar Police Station.
The activist has alleged that Ms. Geetha S was illegally detained for 12 days at the police station without being produced before a Judicial Magistrate, in violation of constitutional and legal safeguards. During this period, she was reportedly not informed of the reasons for her detention nor apprised of her legal rights.
The complaint further alleges that during custody, Ms. Geetha S was subjected to severe physical assault and mental torture in an attempt to extract information about her husband. It is also alleged that her handbag containing five sovereigns of gold jewellery, a gold ring, and ₹80,000 in cash was confiscated by police personnel without any seizure memo or legal procedure, and the belongings have not been returned so far.
In a particularly disturbing allegation, the complainant has stated that Ms. Geetha S was subjected to sexual and gender-based abuse, including being stripped and assaulted in custody. It is alleged that no woman police officer was present during her detention or interrogation, in violation of established rules and Supreme Court guidelines related to the treatment of women in custody.
The complaint also claims that Ms. Geetha S was denied basic necessities such as adequate food, drinking water, and medical treatment despite sustaining visible injuries during detention. The alleged denial of medical care has reportedly aggravated her physical and psychological condition.
Condemning the incident, Theni Elamathi stated that the alleged acts amount to custodial violence, abuse of power, and grave human rights violations, and demanded an independent inquiry into the conduct of the police officials involved. She has also called for criminal and departmental action against Inspector K. Ambedkar, immediate protection for the victim, return of the confiscated valuables, and compensation for the suffering endured by Ms. Geetha S.
The incident has sparked concern among human rights activists and women’s rights groups, who have demanded accountability and strict action to prevent such incidents of custodial abuse. As of now, there has been no official response from the police department regarding the allegations.
