Old woman tortured in police station

• Cops claim she was counselled
• They claim injuries were self-inflicted
• Women’s organisations are up in arms

Ongole: An elderly woman, Khader Bee, was allegedly tortured by men at the local women’s police station here last week for refusing to allow her son and daughter in-law to get separated from the family. This evoked strong criticism from all sections.

The incident occurred after Khader Bee, a resident of Balram Colony, was summoned to the station by the police following a complaint by her daughter-in-law and her father. They had approached the police after son of Khader Bee, Rahman, allegedly developed differences with his wife. The couple was married for one year. The police allegedly tortured Khader Bee from the morning till evening after sending Rahman away to his in-law’s house. Unable to walk, she had to seek assistance of some bystanders to reach home. She had bruises and bleeding injuries all over the body, including her private parts. Local residents got her admitted to RIMS.

The police allegedly prevented registration of a case in RIMS forced the staff to discharge Khader Bee. After the incident came to light late, Superintendent of Police Srikanth is said to have summoned DSP Lakshminarayana of the women’s police station and conducted a discreet inquiry.

The station staff denied using third-degree on the woman. They claimed that she was only given counselling and that Rahman was sent way after recording his statement. The police claimed that injuries on Khader Bee’s body were self-inflicted. The police stand has been widely condemned by leaders of several women’s organisations. They wondered how she could inflict such severe injuries on her back.