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Nearly two weeks after the death of a Station House Officer (SHO) in Cherpulassery, in Palakkad district, a suicide note has reportedly surfaced, naming a senior police official and detailing allegations of intimidation and mental harassment. The alleged note also accuses the senior officer of sexually exploiting a woman.
The SHO, Binu Thomas (52), was found dead on November 15 in his police quarters. His death was initially believed to be due to work-related stress.
TNM accessed three pages of the purported note that was leaked to the media.
According to the alleged suicide note, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), now posted in Kozhikode, sexually exploited a Palakkad woman involved in a case in 2014. The DSP had been serving as a Circle Inspector (CI) at the time.
The alleged note further says that the woman was taken into custody along with four men. The accused DSP sexually exploited the woman and prevented her from approaching the media, the note further alleges.
According to reports, the DSP took money from the woman to not pursue a case against her. The woman gave a statement to police on November 27, reports said.
The alleged note also says that the DSP forced Binu to facilitate the exploitation, which deeply disturbed him and marked the beginning of severe mental trauma.
In the purported suicide note, Binu repeatedly accuses the DSP of harassing him, pressuring him to remain silent, and attempting to involve him in improper acts. The sustained pressure pushed Binu into a psychological breakdown, the note says.
Reports also claim that parts of the suicide note were deliberately withheld early on in the investigation into Binu’s suicide.
(With IANS inputs)
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.