THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Home Department has suspended Vatakara DySP Umesh A, who was accused of sexually exploiting a woman whom he had detained for immoral trafficking while serving as Circle Inspector in Vadakkenchery station in 2014.
The government action was based on a special report filed by the State Police Chief, which found the officer guilty of grave official misconduct, indiscipline and abuse of power.
The incident came to the fore via a suicide note penned by Cherpulassery station Inspector Binu Thomas. Binu, who died by suicide on November 15, had worked under Umesh as Vadakkenchery Sub-Inspector.
The note mentioned that Umesh sexually exploited the woman, who was taken into custody for engaging in immoral trafficking, after releasing her without registering a case.
After letting her go, accompanied by Binu, Umesh went to her place and coerced her into having a physical relationship with him. The note also mentioned that Umesh received bribes from the woman and four other men, who were detained alongside. The police had conducted an inquiry into the allegation raised by the deceased officer.
The Palakkad Crime Branch DySP filed an adverse report against Umesh after conducting a preliminary inquiry. The woman also gave a statement that she was sexually exploited by Umesh. The police will soon conduct an oral inquiry against the officer following which disciplinary action will be initiated against him.
(If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)