Did CM Vijayan Initiate a Probe After CCTV Reveals Police Assault on a Pregnant Woman?
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Synopsis
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has ordered a probe into CCTV footage revealing a police officer assaulting a pregnant woman at a police station. The shocking visuals highlight ongoing issues of police brutality and accountability in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent investigation ordered by CM Vijayan.
- Police accountability under scrutiny.
- Footage highlights issues of custodial violence.
- Calls for reforms in police conduct.
- Victim's struggle for justice exemplifies systemic issues.
Kochi, Dec 18 (NationPress) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has instructed the Director General of Police (DGP) to implement immediate actions after CCTV footage emerged, depicting a police officer assaulting a pregnant woman inside the Ernakulam North Police Station.
In response to the Chief Minister's orders, the DGP requested an urgent report from the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) responsible for law and order, hinting at potential disciplinary measures against the involved officer.
The footage, which was made public following a directive from the Kerala High Court, shows Prathap Chandran, who was the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Ernakulam North Police Station at the time (currently stationed as SHO at Aroor), slapping and pushing the woman, identified as Shaimol N.J., by grabbing her chest.
This incident took place on June 20, 2024, but the footage was only released recently, after what the complainant described as a prolonged legal struggle.
Shaimol, who was pregnant during the incident, visited the police station after her husband was detained for recording police officers allegedly abusing individuals in a public setting.
The complaint states that rather than resolving her concern, the officer assaulted her inside the station while other police personnel, including female officers, stood by.
The CCTV footage further reveals other officers intervening to restrain the SHO following the assault.
Post-incident, the woman claimed that the police sought to conceal the events and filed false charges against her, including accusations of attacking the police station.
While the police had previously refuted these claims and asserted they were trying to de-escalate the situation, Shaimol and her husband continued to demand access to the CCTV footage, ultimately taking the matter to court.
Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan characterized the footage as additional evidence of “extreme brutality” within the Kerala Police, alleging a trend of custodial violence and abuse of power.
He stated that the woman was assaulted for questioning what he referred to as the unjust framing of her husband and accused the government of fostering a culture of impunity within the police force.
Satheesan connected this incident to earlier accusations of police misconduct in other regions of the state, suggesting that numerous cases may remain unreported due to the absence of evidence.
Despite the seriousness of the footage, no action has yet been taken against the officer based solely on the visuals.
Now that the Chief Minister has intervened and the police leadership has been tasked with submitting an urgent report, this case has reignited discussions on allegations of custodial violence, police accountability, and the adequacy of institutional safeguards designed to protect citizens—especially women—from abuses of power.
Point of View
The incident raises pressing concerns about police accountability and the treatment of vulnerable individuals within law enforcement. As we advocate for justice and transparency, it is crucial to ensure that such acts of violence are addressed and lead to systemic changes.
NationPress
19/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the CCTV footage?
The footage shows a police officer assaulting a pregnant woman inside the Ernakulam North Police Station.
What actions has the Kerala Chief Minister taken?
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the DGP to conduct an urgent investigation into the incident.
How did the footage come to light?
The footage was released following a directive from the Kerala High Court after a year-long legal battle by the victim.
What were the circumstances leading to the assault?
The woman visited the station after her husband was detained for filming police misconduct.
What has been the response from political leaders?
Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan condemned the incident, calling it evidence of police brutality and misuse of power.
