Dalit woman custodial death: Addagudur police station SI, two constables dismissed

On June 18, Mariyamma had died in custody at Addagudur police station.

Bhagwat issued orders dismissing sub-inspector V Maheshwar, constables MA Rasheed and P Janaiah of Addagudur police station under Article 311 (2) (b) of the Constitution and 25 (2) of conduct rules on Tuesday.

Mariyamma (45), a native of Chintakani in Khammam district, had been working as a maid at a pastor's house at Addagudur in Yadadri district. She was brought to the police station in connection with a theft case along with two others. She collapsed at the station and died on June 18.

On June 15, Father Balashouri had lodged a complaint with the police alleging that Rs 2 lakh was stolen from his house. Mariyamma was accused of stealing the money and was arrested on June 17. Later the woman was arrested from her village in Khammam district.

Congress Scheduled Caste Cell state president Preetham alleged that Mariyamma was subjected to physical assault in the name of investigation. Cops tortured her on June 17 night and on the next day she died in the police station itself. The police later said that she died due to cardiac arrest.

After the incident came to light, the Rachakonda Commissioner suspended all three police officers. Seemingly rattled by the custodial death of a woman, Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao announced a government job for Mariyamma's son Uday Kiran, a house and Rs 15 lakh as ex gratia besides Rs 10 lakh to each of her two daughters. He directed DGP M Mahendar Reddy and ministers to visit and console the family of the deceased.