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The tragic death of 33-year-old Jeeva, a Bengaluru businesswoman, has sparked outrage and exposed a shocking case of alleged police misconduct and corruption within the Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Jeeva, a law graduate supplying wood materials to the Karnataka Bhovi Development Corporation, was implicated in a scam under investigation by the CID. Instead of a fair and lawful interrogation, Jeeva's experience took a horrifying turn, culminating in her suicide. Her death serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals when encountering powerful institutions, and highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform within law enforcement.
According to reports, Jeeva was summoned for questioning at the CID headquarters on Palace Road on November 14th. Despite a high court order mandating video conferencing for her interrogation between November 14th and 23rd, she was instead directed to appear before Deputy Superintendent of Police Kanakalakshmi. It was during this encounter that Jeeva allegedly suffered unspeakable humiliation. DSP Kanakalakshmi allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 25 lakh (approximately $30,000 USD) from Jeeva. Furthermore, she allegedly forced Jeeva to strip, claiming that the businesswoman might be concealing cyanide under her clothing. This act of degrading and unlawful treatment is a grave violation of Jeeva's human rights and basic dignity. The alleged actions are not only unprofessional but also constitute a serious abuse of power.
Jeeva's ordeal did not end there. After the alleged humiliation at the CID headquarters, DSP Kanakalakshmi reportedly took Jeeva to her wood material shop in Peenya for a spot investigation. There, Jeeva was further subjected to public insults and humiliation, further compounding her distress and desperation. Despite providing sufficient documentation to prove her innocence, the relentless demands for the bribe continued. This relentless pressure, coupled with the preceding humiliation, created an unbearable situation for Jeeva, leading her to take her own life.
The details of Jeeva's suffering came to light when her sister, concerned by Jeeva's unavailability, sent someone to check on her. They discovered Jeeva's lifeless body hanging from a ceiling fan. An 11-page suicide note left by Jeeva detailed the horrific events she had endured during the CID investigation, providing a harrowing account of the abuse and the relentless pressure she faced. This note served as crucial evidence, substantiating the allegations against DSP Kanakalakshmi.
Following the discovery of the suicide note and the subsequent police report filed by Jeeva's sister, DSP Kanakalakshmi has been charged with abetment to suicide and violations under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This is a critical step in holding her accountable for her alleged actions and ensuring that justice is served. However, the case is far from closed and requires comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jeeva’s death. An independent investigation must ensure that all those responsible are held accountable and that the systemic issues that allowed such abuses of power to occur are addressed and resolved.
This case underscores the critical need for increased oversight and accountability within law enforcement agencies across India. Robust internal affairs units are essential for investigating allegations of misconduct and corruption, and ensuring that officers are held accountable for their actions. Furthermore, the implementation of stricter guidelines and training programs is necessary to prevent future occurrences of police brutality and corruption. This incident highlights the importance of creating a system where victims of such abuse feel empowered to come forward without fear of retribution. A thorough and transparent investigation is crucial not only for Jeeva’s family but also to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The legacy of this case must be systemic change to protect citizens from abuse by those sworn to protect them.
Source: Bengaluru Businesswoman Suicide: She Was Stripped, Asked to Pay Rs 25 Lakh Bribe by CID Cop