NHRC Intervenes in Leeba Torture Case

KOCHI: Acting on a complaint filed by a Delhi-based NGO, the Citizens Right Foundation under the National Human Rights Commission  (NHRC) has intervened in the Cheranelloor custodial torture case, related to the alleged assault of a housemaid by the police.

Leeba, a 28-year-old Kudumbi woman, who was  working as a domestic maid at a doctor’s house in Kochi, was taken into police custody, alleging that she stole a gold chain from the house.

It is alleged that Leeba was taken to the police station in a private car, and that she was produced before the magistrate after 36 hours.

Later, members of the doctor’s family  recovered the gold chain from the house, and started putting pressure on the officials to repeal the complaint. The doctor and his family are currently in hiding.

It is reported that the police subjected the woman to third-degree torture to make her accept the charge, allegedly due to the pressure exerted by Ernakulam MLA Hibi Eden and the Home Minister.

Leeba said that the police rubbed chilly powder in her eyes and pierced nib of pen under her fingernails. She also alleged that the officers kicked her with boots, causing serious injury to her spine. “The police is trying to save their face by transferring an SI and a woman police official. We will do everything to ensure free treatment for the woman,” said Citizens Rights Foundation chairman Prathapan.

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