The case centres on Bindu, a domestic worker from Chullimanoor, who was detained for nearly 20 hours on 23 April after her landlord accused her of stealing a gold necklace
Synopsis: A Dalit domestic worker’s claim of police harassment at Peroorkada station has sparked public outrage in Kerala. Opposition leader V D Satheesan demanded a departmental probe and legal action, blaming government inaction and political interference for enabling such abuse. Civil society groups and political parties have also rallied behind the victim, condemning the alleged mistreatment and police excess
A Dalit domestic worker’s allegation of police harassment at the Peroorkada police station has triggered widespread outrage in Kerala, drawing sharp criticism from Opposition parties and civil society groups.
The incident has prompted Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan to demand a departmental inquiry and strict legal action against the officers involved.
Satheesan lambasted the state government and the Home Department for their silence on the matter, stating that unchecked politicisation of the police force has led to such gross misuse of power.
“This is not an isolated incident. Who gave these officers the right to illegally detain and mentally torture an innocent woman?” he asked.
Dalit worker detained over theft claim
The controversy revolves around Bindu, a domestic worker from Chullimanoor, who was taken into custody on 23 April based on an allegation by her landlord that she had stolen a gold necklace weighing two and a half sovereigns.
Bindu, who was returning home from work in Ambalamukku, was summoned to the Peroorkada station, where she claims she was held for nearly 20 hours.
During her detention, she alleges, she was denied water, not allowed to contact her family, and was threatened with the arrest of her daughters unless she confessed.
Her family was unaware of her detention until the police brought her home later that night.
The next morning, the landlord reportedly acknowledged that the necklace had been found. However, Bindu claims the sub-inspector warned her not to disclose the incident.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
Stampede-like situation at rapper Vedan’s programme injures at least 15; police resort to lathi-charge
As Vedan took the stage and began his first song, the crowd broke past the barricades, leading to a stampede-like situation.
Synopsis: At least 15 people were injured in a stampede-like situation during a music programme conducted by Malayalam rapper Vedan in Palakkad. The police resorted to a lathi-charge multiple times to bring the situation under control.
At least 15 people were injured in a stampede-like situation during a music programme conducted by Malayalam rapper Vedan at Kotta Maithanam (fort ground) in the Palakkad district of Kerala on Sunday, 18 May.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening as an uncontrollable crowd surged forward, forcing police to resort to a lathi-charge multiple times to bring the situation under control.
The event, jointly organised by the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development Department and the Culture Department, had drawn a crowd of over 2,000 people. The programme, which was scheduled to start at 6 pm, began two hours behind schedule, further agitating the waiting audience.
Scuffle and stampede-like situation
As Vedan took the stage around 8 pm and began his first song, the crowd broke past the barricades set up for security, leading to a scuffle and a stampede-like situation. Several people suffered minor injuries, and some in the audience reportedly fainted due to the chaos.
Police initially attempted to control the crowd but were soon overwhelmed by it. A team led by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rajesh Kumar arrived at the spot and temporarily halted the programme to clear pregnant women, the elderly, and children from the venue.
Despite attempts to restore order, the unrest persisted. The police were forced to lathi-charge the crowd four times during the event. Unable to manage the law and order situation, Vedan exited the stage by 9 pm after performing just three songs.
The injured were admitted to Palakkad District Hospital for treatment. Tensions flared further as a scuffle reportedly broke out between the police and organisers during the commotion. Several people complained of breathlessness and dizziness near the stage but no major injuries were reported.
Local authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the lapses in security arrangements and crowd management at the venue.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
Courtesy : TSF
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