A shocking incident has come to light in Bengaluru, where a 34-year-old domestic worker and her husband claim they were subjected to brutal custodial assault by officers at the Varthur police station. The alleged abuse occurred after they were accused of stealing a diamond ring from the residence of a techie couple where the woman was employed. Their ordeal reportedly concluded only when a dedicated social activist intervened, demanding accountability from the police.
The harrowing events began on October 30 when Sundari Bibi, originally from West Bengal and residing in a labor colony on Balagere Road, was summoned to the Varthur police station. Having worked for the techie couple for three months, she arrived at the station with her husband, who works as a garbage vehicle driver. Sources indicate that her employers suspected Sundari of theft and allegedly orchestrated a ‘sting operation,’ dropping a ₹100 note to gauge her reaction. While CCTV footage reportedly captured Sundari picking up the note, she asserts she had every intention of returning it. This footage formed the basis of the complaint lodged by the couple with the Varthur police.
Upon their arrival at the station, Sundari recounted a terrifying experience: she and her husband were immediately detained and allegedly assaulted by a group of seven police personnel, comprising four men and three women. “I pleaded my innocence, but they continued to beat me with lathis, often shouting abuses in Kannada, a language I barely understand, and calling me a Bangladeshi,” she shared in an interview. Her husband also reported being assaulted merely for standing by her side.
The distressing screams emanating from within the police station did not go unnoticed, drawing the attention of nearby migrant workers who promptly alerted prominent city-based social activist R. Kaleemulla. Mr. Kaleemulla swiftly contacted the station, directly confronting the officers about the alleged abuse. His intervention proved crucial, leading to Sundari’s immediate release.
Following her release, Sundari was promptly admitted to Bowring Hospital, where medical professionals documented her injuries as part of a Medico-Legal Case (MLC). Commenting on the incident, Mr. Kaleemulla emphasized, “Police officers have absolutely no right to physically assault anyone, particularly women, based solely on accusations. Lawful and humane investigative procedures must always be followed to ascertain the truth.”