Dalit woman alleges torture in Telangana police station, inquiry ordered

Hyderabad: A Dalit woman has alleged that she was tortured by cops at Shadnagar police station near here, following which a departmental inquiry has been ordered.

The woman, it is claimed, was called to the police station over allegations of gold theft and then allegedly assaulted in the presence of her minor son.

While talking to reporters, the woman claimed that her husband was beaten up first and then released. She was then forced to remove her sari and wear shorts. The police personnel tied her hands and legs before assaulting her. Despite her pleas, the woman stated that she was not spared.

Reacting to the allegations, a statement from police quoted Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty as saying that the DI (detective inspector) of Shadnagar has been attached to the commissionerate headquarters pending an inquiry into the allegations.

The ACP of Shadnagar is conducting an inquiry into the matter and further action would be taken based on the inquiry report, the statement said.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader Harish Rao tweeted, "A Shameful Violation—Dalit woman Sunitha and her husband have been subjected to severe third-degree torture by police, forced to confess to a theft. This horrific abuse of power reflects a disturbing trend of police brutality under your watch @TelanganaCMO. No remand has been filed, making this detention illegal and unjust. How long will this government allow such blatant violations of human rights? Immediate action is needed to restore justice."

In a statement issued by Avinash Mohanty, Commissioner Of Police, Cyberabad on Monday afternoon said, "In continuation of departmental action with respect to the incident of Shadnagar Police Station, the Detective Inspector Shadnagar and five other staff of the rank of constable have been placed under suspension. Further departmental action will follow."