Outrageous! Woman who complained of domestic abuse sent to mental hospital in Vizag

Despite facing severe criticism from women's groups, police justified the action saying they have followed the norms to save the life of the woman and her family members.

Activists of Mahila Chetana, who spoke to the victim in the hospital, told reporters that M Sandhya was healthy and the police violated the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 by sending her to the hospital.

Convener of Mahila Chetana K Padma said M Sandhya approached Pendurthi police station on August 7 and lodged the complaint under Disha Act.

Police took the woman to the magistrate who asked them to shift her to a mental hospital. Padma said police misled the magistrate about her mental health.

She said her husband and his family members had earlier lodged a complaint in the same police station that Sandhya was missing.

Circle inspector of Pendurthi police station in a late evening release said Sandhya was taken to One Stop Centre in King George Hospital. He said two experts examined her and sent their report to the magistrate.

The magistrate issued 14 days reception order and suggested a review after the period. Based on the magistrate order, she was admitted to King George Hospital.

Sandhya told reporters at the hospital that the police did not give her the acknowledgment copy of the complaint. She said she was healthy and mentally sound but the police branded her as mentally ill and a Covid patient without conducting any test. Her children were also separated from her.

Padma demanded her immediate discharge from the hospital. She also sought legal assistance so that she could contest her case.