A 34-year-old domestic worker and her husband were allegedly detained and brutally assaulted by the Varthur police after she was accused of stealing a diamond ring from the house of a techie couple she worked for. The woman was released only after a social activist intervened and questioned the police action.

Alleged assault at police station

The incident occurred on October 30, when Sundari Bibi, a native of West Bengal and resident of a labour colony on Balagere Road, was summoned to the Varthur police station. Sundari, who had been employed by the techie couple for the past three months, went to the station with her husband, who works as a garbage vehicle driver.

According to sources, the couple accused her of stealing a diamond ring after conducting what they called a “sting operation.” They allegedly dropped a ₹100 note on the floor to observe her reaction. The CCTV footage reportedly showed Sundari picking up the note, which she said she had planned to return later. Based on this footage, the couple lodged a complaint with the Varthur police.

Police accused of custodial violence

Sundari alleged that as soon as she and her husband reached the police station, they were detained and assaulted by seven police personnel — four men and three women.

“I pleaded my innocence, but they kept beating me with lathis, calling me a Bangladeshi. Most of the abuses were in Kannada, which I could not understand,” she told The Hindu. Her husband was also allegedly beaten for defending her.

The screams from inside the police station reportedly drew the attention of nearby migrant workers, who alerted city-based social activist R. Kaleemulla. He immediately contacted the station and confronted the officers. Following his intervention, the police released Sundari.

Medical examination and activist’s statement

Sundari was later taken to Bowring Hospital, where doctors registered a Medico-Legal Case (MLC) to document her injuries.

“The police have no right to beat anyone, especially women, merely based on allegations. There are lawful methods to investigate and find the truth,” Mr. Kaleemulla said, condemning the alleged custodial violence.

Calls for accountability

The incident has once again drawn attention to police excesses and the treatment of vulnerable migrant workers in the city. Social activists have urged senior police officials to initiate an internal inquiry and take disciplinary action against the personnel involved.

As of now, no official statement has been issued by the Varthur police regarding the allegations.