Bengal Domestic Worker and Husband Allegedly Tortured by Bengaluru Police Over False Theft Accusation

The incident took place last month.

A 34-year-old domestic worker from West Bengal and her husband were allegedly brutally assaulted by the Bengaluru police for three hours after being accused of stealing a diamond ring from her employer's residence.

In her complaint filed with the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission, Sundari Bibi claimed that she and her husband, a garbage collector with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), were severely beaten by four male officers and three female officers on the first floor of Varthur Police Station around 9am on October 30.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwar has requested a report from Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh regarding the incident. "I have asked for a detailed report. If the fault lies with the cops, we will definitely initiate action," he stated.

Sundari explained that the incident began when she found a Rs 100 note on the balcony of her employer's home at Shobha Apartment. "I picked it up intending to give it to the house owner, which is clearly visible in the CCTV footage. However, before I could return the note, the owner saw the footage, grabbed my hand, and accused me of theft," she recounted.

"They further alleged that a diamond ring was missing from their house and accused me of stealing it," she added.

According to Sundari, she was taken to the police station where she called her husband. Both were then reportedly assaulted.

"I screamed for help, and some people from the nearby locality who heard my cries informed social worker Mr. R. Kaleemullah about the incident. Mr. Kaleemullah called the police officer at Varthur Police Station, and only after receiving his call did the officers stop beating us and hide their lathis," she said.

"We were detained at the station until 7pm before being released. The officers warned us not to tell anyone about the assault," she further stated.

The woman claimed she developed fever and body ache from the severe beating. "Out of fear, we remained inside our settlement for three days without reporting the incident. Later, as my kidney pain worsened, my husband contacted the West Bengal Migrant Department, who advised us to seek hospital treatment," she explained.

She said her husband subsequently took her to Victoria Hospital for medical attention.

Seeking legal action against the officers involved, she urged the Commission to ensure she would not face further harassment, would be allowed to continue her domestic work, and could live safely in Bengaluru.

"The woman was beaten up and there is medical evidence for the same. The DCP, Whitefield, has been asked to probe the incident and submit a report," Commissioner Singh confirmed.