In a disturbing instance of alleged police brutality, CCTV footage from Ernakulam North police station has surfaced showing a pregnant woman being slapped by a police officer inside the station premises in June 2024. The visuals came to light on Thursday after the woman and her husband obtained the footage following a prolonged legal battle lasting nearly a year and a half.
The woman, N J Shaimol (43), was three months pregnant at the time and had gone to the police station to question the alleged illegal arrest of her husband.
CCTV footage contradicts police claims
The CCTV footage, released following an order of the Kerala High Court, shows Shaimol entering the station carrying her infant twins. Moments later, after another woman—believed to be a police officer in plain clothes—takes the babies from her, Inspector K G Prathapachandran is seen slapping her.
At the time of the incident, Prathapachandran was attached to Ernakulam North police station. He is currently posted as the station house officer at Aroor police station. Police sources said departmental action, including suspension, is likely.
Husband recounts arrest and alleged assault
Shaimol’s husband, Benjo, said he was arrested after allegedly recording police using force while detaining two youths near the tourist home he manages. “I clearly told the inspector that my wife was pregnant. I don’t know how anyone could still slap her,” he said.
Benjo claimed he was booked for obstructing police duty and spent five days in jail, alleging he was assaulted inside the station in areas without CCTV coverage. He added that the couple had fought a long legal battle to obtain the footage. “My wife later delivered the baby, who is now one year old,” he said.
Inspector claims provocation
Police had earlier denied Shaimol’s allegations, accusing her of obstructing official duty, endangering her children and damaging station property. The CCTV footage has contradicted these claims.
Speaking to the media, Inspector Prathapachandran alleged that Shaimol had shoved him twice and threatened self-harm to her children if her husband was not released, claiming his action was a reaction to “sudden provocation”.
Renewed scrutiny of police excesses
The incident has once again brought focus on custodial conduct in Kerala. In September, four officers from Kunnamkulam police station were suspended after CCTV footage revealed the assault of a Youth Congress leader, obtained following a lengthy RTI battle.