Kochi police accused of moral policing

Woman social activist questioned for walking alone at night

December 02, 2017 11:32 pm | Updated 11:32 pm IST - Kochi

The Kochi City police have been accused of abusing and assaulting a woman social activist who was walking alone at night in Kochi on Friday morning.

The incident took place around 2 a.m. when the woman, a native of Kozhikode, was on her way to the Ernakulam Town railway station. As she reached Mathrubhumi Junction, two beat police officers approached her and sought to know her whereabouts.

Soon, a police team, including two women officers, rushed to the spot and confronted her for walking alone at night. The team allegedly used abusive language at her. The police personnel also challenged a male friend who reached the spot on an alert raised by her.

Medical examination

As the duo raised a protest, the police took them into custody and subjected them to a medical examination. Her friend was allegedly locked up in a cell at the Ernakulam North police station. They have approached the Chief Minister seeking action against the officers involved in the incident.

Denying the allegations, the police said they were taken into custody for confronting the police. “It is the duty of the police to ensure the safety of every woman walking alone at night. As is the standard practice, the beat officers approached her to ensure that she was not in any kind of trouble. She, however, chose not to respond to their queries, which left the police suspicious,” said M.P. Dinesh, Commissioner of Police, Kochi city.

K.J. Peter, Ernakulam North Circle Inspector, said the woman’s friend was booked under the Kerala Police Act 117 (E) and 118 (A).

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