Six Chittoor Cops Booked for Custodial Torture and Sexual Abuse of TN Kuravans

Tirupati: Chittoor II Town police have booked six police personnel, including a sub-inspector, for alleged custodial torture and sexual abuse of suspects in a theft case. The suspects belong to the Kuravan community from Tamil Nadu.

Ten Kuravans, including two children aged five and seven, had been detained by Puthalapattu police for questioning between June 7 to June 12. Two suspects who reportedly confessed their involvement in the crime had been sent to remand.

On June 17 after five days in custody, Puthalapattu police sent the other accused to their hometown in Tamil Nadu after serving them notices under section 41 A of CrPC.

Upon their return to Krishnagiri, the suspects approached civil society groups, including the Joint Action Committee against Custodial Torture (JACACT). The committee subsequently filed a complaint with Krishnagiri district collector alleging custodial torture and sexual abuse by Chittoor police. The collector ordered an inquiry.

As part of the inquiry, Chittoor II Town police led by circle inspector K. Maddaiah Chary booked a case against Puthalapattu sub-inspector and five constables.

Confirming the developments, Chittoor superintendent of police Y. Rishanth Reddy said district police have initiated an investigation into the allegations levelled against the police personnel.

The SP said: " Chittoor police department has recorded statements of the victims. Chittoor additional SP is conducting the inquiry. Based on the outcome of this inquiry, appropriate action will be taken."

Following orders of the district collector, six victims have been admitted to Krishnagiri Medical College Hospital for examination and treatment.

Hospital dean M. Poovathi told media persons that the victims are in stable condition with no recent external injuries. Samples have been collected from two women to determine if sexual assault has occurred on them. Results of the tests are awaited.

Sources said inquiries conducted by Krishnagiri District Child Protection Unit confirmed that two children, who were detained along with their parents by Chittoor police last week, have not been subject to any form of violence.

A team of Chittoor police visited the Krishnagiri Medical College Hospital on Sunday morning to record statements of the six victims. But they were obstructed by members of Tamil Pazhangudi Kuravan Sangam.

However, with assistance from Krishnagiri police, the police team later recorded the statements of the victims.