Kerala shocker: Deputy SP suspended for molesting woman in custody, taking bribes

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A deputy SP–rank officer in Kerala has been suspended days after allegations emerged that he sexually assaulted a woman who had been taken into custody for prostitution, following the recent suicide of a police officer.A Umesh, serving as the deputy SP of Vatakara in Kozhikode rural, was suspended with immediate effect by the Home Department on the recommendation of the state police chief after an inquiry.The internal inquiry found that, during his tenure as inspector of police at the Vadakkenchery station in Palakkad, Umesh had misused his official position by sexually exploiting the woman and accepting bribes from individuals linked to the illegal activity.The incident came to light after the suicide note of Cherpulassery Station House Officer Binu Thomas, who was found dead on November 15, was recovered by the police.According to a government order shared by the CMO on Sunday, a special report submitted by the state police chief stated that the officer’s “indisciplined, immoral, and illegal activities” had tarnished the image of the entire police force.The government reviewed the report in detail and found prima facie evidence of grave misconduct, indiscipline, abuse of power, and immoral as well as illegal actions by the deputy SP, the order said."In the circumstances, Umesh A, deputy SP, is suspended from service with immediate effect pending disciplinary action," the order said.The order also directed the state police chief to submit a panel of competent officers to be considered for appointment as the inquiry officer to conduct an oral inquiry.(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme Court directives on cases related to sexual assault)(With agency inputs)