Did a Dalit Woman Face Indifference at Kerala CM Vijayan’s Office?

Synopsis
A Dalit woman’s harrowing experience reveals the systemic issues in Kerala's justice system. After facing police mistreatment, her hopes for justice at the Chief Minister's office were dashed, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and reform.
Key Takeaways
- Indifference from authorities can exacerbate feelings of injustice.
- Police treatment of marginalized individuals must be scrutinized.
- Escalating complaints to higher authorities does not always guarantee resolution.
- Accountability in law enforcement is crucial for public trust.
- Systemic reforms are needed to protect the rights of vulnerable communities.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 19 (NationPress) A Dalit woman has claimed that she encountered indifference from the political secretary of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan while attempting to lodge a complaint against the police for alleged mistreatment.
Bindu, a domestic worker in Thiruvananthapuram, reported that the ordeal began last month when she was called to the Peroorkada Police Station following a complaint from her employer regarding a missing gold chain.
She firmly denied any misconduct but alleged that the police subjected her to verbal abuse and used filthy language.
Moreover, she claimed that she was held for over 20 hours without any valid reason.
“When I requested water, they told me to get it from the toilet,” she recounted. Bindu was finally released after her house owner informed the police that the gold chain had been discovered at the residence.
Feeling hurt and humiliated, Bindu opted to escalate her complaint to the Chief Minister’s office, seeking justice from a government that professes to support women and marginalized communities.
However, her experience there was just as disheartening.
“I presented my complaint to Sasi, the political secretary to the Chief Minister. He didn’t even glance at it and merely placed it on the table. He told me that such treatment by the police is typical and suggested I approach the court for any grievances,” Bindu expressed.
“I didn’t achieve justice from the police, and now I’ve been denied justice at the CM’s office too,” she lamented.
Dalit rights activist Dhanya Raman described the incident as a significant injustice. “We have raised the issue with the police, and they have assured us that an investigation has been initiated regarding the conduct of the Peroorkada police. We await action against those accountable,” Raman stated.
Upon being contacted, Sasi affirmed that Bindu had met with him and made two requests — action against the police officials and legal action against the employer who initiated the initial complaint.
“I have forwarded her complaint concerning the police to the relevant authorities. Regarding the action against the employer, I informed her that it is a judicial matter,” he explained.