Molestation in police custody: DySP Umesh on medical leave

KOZHIKODE: Vadakara DySP Umesh has gone on leave. This comes after allegations that he molested a woman in custody. Umesh's explanation is that he is going on leave due to health reasons. Kozhikode, Nadapuram DySP will take over. The incident that is the basis for the allegations against Umesh took place when he was the Vadakkancherry CI.

The investigation report says that Umesh misused his official position by sexually abusing a woman who was taken into custody in an immorality case and releasing her without filing a case. Umesh has gone on leave citing health reasons after the investigation report was submitted. The woman gave her statement to the District Crime Branch DySP the other day regarding the incident.

The woman has given a statement that the DySP had repeatedly molested her after taking her into custody. In her statement, the woman also stated that Umesh had taken bribes from others who were in custody with her. It is reported that a rape case may be registered against Umesh based on the statement given by the woman before the investigation team. The Palakkad District Police Chief has submitted a report to the state DGP requesting action against Umesh.

Cherpulassery CI Binu Thomas, who committed suicide, had stated in his suicide note that the DySP had threatened and maltreated the woman who was arrested in an immorality case.