Thiruvananthapuram: Bindu R, a 39-year-old Dalit domestic worker from Kerala, has accused police officials at Peroorkada station of wrongful detention, custodial harassment, and denial of basic human rights after she was falsely accused of stealing gold from a household she worked in.
According to Bindu, she was forcibly taken into custody after being accused of stealing 2.5 sovereigns of gold and was charged under Section 306 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (theft by a clerk or servant). However, it was later revealed that the missing gold was actually found in the complainant’s home itself.
Bindu recounted to The News Minute that she was interrogated till 3 a.m. and was not allowed to rest, eat, or meet her family. “They kept questioning me all night and didn’t let my family give me food. They never listened to my side,” she said.
In a formal complaint to the Kerala Chief Minister, the State Police Complaints Authority, and the Kerala State SC/ST Commission, Bindu named the Sub-Inspector of Peroorkada and four other officers for allegedly humiliating and harassing her during her nearly 20-hour illegal detention.
“The house owner and her daughter were already at the station and directly accused me. Even after they found the gold in their own home, they didn’t inform me. Instead, they said they were forgiving me because I have two daughters,” Bindu added.
She said the trauma and social stigma following the incident forced her to quit work. “I no longer go to work. The whole neighbourhood looks at me with suspicion.”
The Kerala SC/ST Commission has ordered the Assistant Commissioner of Thiruvananthapuram Cantonment to submit a detailed report by May 6. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan condemned the silence of the state government and home department, stating it reflects the politicization of the police force.
However, the Peroorkada Station House Officer denied all allegations, claiming, “There are CCTV cameras in the station. How can such harassment happen?”
The case has drawn widespread attention and raised serious questions about caste-based discrimination, police accountability, and the treatment of marginalized communities.
