Thu Jul 03 15:53:22 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A Dalit woman in Pathanamthitta, India, alleges custodial harassment after being accused of theft by her employers. The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the case based on media reports and has directed the Pathanamthitta Crime Branch Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) to investigate. The DySP has requested two weeks to submit the inquiry report. The commission has mandated that the investigation be conducted by a DySP from outside Thiruvananthapuram district and that the woman’s statement be recorded in the presence of a female lawyer appointed by the District Legal Services Authority secretary. The case is scheduled for review by the commission on August 4th.

**News Article:**

**Human Rights Commission Investigates Alleged Custodial Harassment of Dalit Woman in Kerala**

**Thiruvananthapuram, India – July 3, 2025:** The Kerala State Human Rights Commission is investigating allegations of custodial harassment leveled by a Dalit woman in Pathanamthitta district, following a complaint of theft by her employers.

The commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the case based on media reports detailing the woman’s claim that police subjected her to mental torture for 20 hours after being accused of stealing a gold necklace.

Commission chairperson Alexander Thomas has directed the Pathanamthitta Crime Branch Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) to conduct a thorough investigation. The DySP has requested two weeks to submit an inquiry report.

To ensure impartiality, the commission has mandated that the investigation be led by a DySP from outside Thiruvananthapuram district. Furthermore, the woman’s statement must be recorded in the presence of a female lawyer appointed by the District Legal Services Authority secretary.

The case will be reviewed by the commission at a hearing scheduled for August 4th. This case highlights the continued challenges faced by marginalized communities in India and the importance of ensuring accountability within law enforcement.

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