SHRC orders DSP-level probe into woman’s assault

T'puram: State human rights commission (SHRC) directed district police chief of Thiruvananthapuram rural to conduct a DSP-level investigation into allegations that a mentally challenged woman living alone was brutally assaulted at her house in Chantavila. SHRC chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas issued the directive, stating that the investigation must be effective and transparent, and that the real culprits should be brought before the law and punished. Justice Thomas observed that the attack on a mentally challenged woman was a serious matter and instructed that a senior DSP should be entrusted with the investigation. The commission has asked for a report within three weeks. It has also directed that a DSP appear on behalf of the district police chief during the commission sitting scheduled for June 5. The panel initiated the case suo motu based on media reports regarding the incident. The victim has been identified as Leela (62), who lives near Dharmasastha Temple in Chantavila area. The assault reportedly took place in the early hours of April 29. According to reports, Leela remained unconscious for nearly four hours after the attack. She later crawled out of the house and was found lying near the roadside. Following the death of her son, she was living alone. Preliminary information suggests that there was a dispute involving a neighbour prior to the incident.