KSCW seeks report on alleged police assault on woman at Varthur station

Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Commission for Women (KSCW) has sought a report from the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Whitefield) on the alleged assault of a woman at the Varthur police station.

According to reports, a 34-year-old woman and her husband were allegedly detained and beaten by police personnel after being accused of stealing a diamond ring from their employer’s house. The woman was released only after a social activist intervened.

The incident comes days after DG&IGP MA Saleem issued a circular directing police personnel to act with dignity and sensitivity while dealing with the public, especially women.

On October 30, Sundari Bibi, a native of West Bengal, and her husband — a garbage vehicle driver — were taken to the Varthur police station after their employers, a techie couple, accused her of theft.

The couple reportedly conducted a “sting” operation by dropping a Rs 100 note on the floor to observe her reaction. CCTV footage allegedly showed Sundari picking up the note, which she claimed she intended to return later.

Sundari later alleged that seven police personnel — four men and three women — assaulted her inside the station. “I pleaded my innocence, but they kept hitting me with lathis and called me a Bangladeshi,” she said, adding that her husband was also beaten for defending her.

Their cries for help reportedly drew the attention of nearby migrant workers, who alerted a city-based social activist. The police later released Sundari, who was unable to walk due to her injuries. She was taken to Bowring Hospital, where doctors recorded multiple bruises and registered a medico-legal case (MLC).

Following media reports, the Women’s Commission sought an explanation from the police.

K Parashuram, DCP (Whitefield), said, “I have not yet received any communication from the State Commission for Women. I have instructed the ACP (Whitefield) to conduct an inquiry and submit a report. Based on the findings, appropriate action will be taken against the personnel involved.”