Necklace theft case: Crime Branch confirms false charge against Dalit woman by Peroorkada police

The Crime Branch probe has confirmed that the Dalit woman, who had been illegally detained by the Peroorkada police over a gold necklace theft, was falsely implicated.

A team led by Pathanamthitta District Crime Branch DySP K.A. Vidyadharan found that Nedumangad native Bindhu R. was wrongly accused of stealing the ornament from the home where she worked as a domestic help. The complaint had been filed by Omana Daniel, the house owner.

According to the findings, the necklace was never stolen, but had been misplaced and later discovered beneath a sofa. Despite being informed of the recovery, the police allegedly fabricated a story claiming the ornament had been retrieved from a garbage heap outside the residence, while continuing to portray Ms. Bindhu as the culprit.

The report highlights serious misconduct by the Peroorkada police, including unlawful detention, denial of basic rights and custodial harassment. Ms. Bindhu was held overnight without being given food or water, and was not allowed to meet her family.

Sub-Inspector Prasad S.G. and grade assistant Sub-Inspector Prasannakumar have already been suspended in connection with the case. The Crime Branch has now recommended further action against the then station house officer R. Sivakumar who had been transferred following the incident.

The investigation was launched based on directions by the Kerala State Human Rights Commission, to which the Crime Branch has submitted its report for further action.

A separate inquiry is also underway by the Thiruvananthapuram District Crime Branch into allegations of custodial harassment, following an instruction from the State Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Commission.

The Peroorkada police had registered a case against Ms. Daniel, her daughter Nisha, and the suspended officers in the wake of public backlash over the controversy.