A fresh controversy over alleged police brutality has erupted in Kerala after CCTV footage emerged showing a station house officer slapping a pregnant woman inside the Ernakulam North Police Station in Kochi. The incident dates back to June 20, 2024, but the visuals entered the public domain only recently after the woman approached the Kerala High Court, which ordered the release of the footage.

Another shocking instance of #PoliceBrutality in Kerala. Pregnant woman, carrying her infant, was assaulted at Ernakulam North Police Station. CCTV footage emerged only after a year-long legal battle. Is this the much-touted promise of women’s safety?@pinarayivijayan pic.twitter.com/bjplsOKojS

— V D Satheesan (@vdsatheesan) December 18, 2025

The video, around 33 seconds long, has since gone viral, triggering widespread public outrage and renewed debate over custodial violence and police accountability in the state.

What the CCTV Footage Shows

The footage captures a chaotic scene inside the police station, crowded with civilians and police personnel. Shymol N.J., a Kochi native who was three months pregnant at the time and holding one of her infant twins, is seen arguing with officers while enquiring about her husband, who was in custody.

During the argument, the then Station House Officer (SHO), N. Prathap Chandran K.G., is seen pulling Shymol back, allegedly grabbing her near the chest area, and slapping her across the face. Other individuals are seen intervening as tensions escalate inside the station.

Background of the Incident

According to the complainant, the incident began after her husband, Benjo Baby, was detained by police for filming the alleged forceful detention of two theft suspects outside the tourist home run by the couple near Ernakulam Town railway station. Benjo was later named as a third accused on charges including obstructing police officials from performing their duties.

Shymol said she went to the police station to enquire about her husband’s detention and to inform officers that she was pregnant and had a doctor’s appointment scheduled for the day. “Only after approaching the High Court did we receive the footage. This proves that my complaint about being assaulted at the police station was true,” she said.

She alleged that after the incident, a false case was registered against her for damaging property at the police station, while her husband was remanded to jail for a week. According to Shymol, she intervened when she saw her husband being assaulted inside the station. “I reached the police station with my children. When I saw my husband being beaten, I intervened. That’s when the officer slapped me,” she alleged.

Chandran, who has since been transferred and is currently serving as SHO at Aroor police station in Alappuzha district, defended his actions. He claimed the woman had created a ruckus at the station. “She turned violent and pulled me first. That is also visible in the CCTV footage. My action followed the situation there,” he said, adding that he was unaware she was pregnant.

Allegations of Assault and False Cases

Shymol has alleged that instead of addressing her concerns, the SHO verbally abused her, pushed her, and later assaulted her inside the station. She further claimed that following the incident, police registered false cases against her, including allegations of damaging property at the station, while her husband was remanded to jail for a week.

She said it took more than a year of legal struggle to access the CCTV footage, which she claims validates her complaint.

Police Response and Defence

Inspector Prathap Chandran, who has since been transferred and is currently posted as SHO at Aroor police station in Alappuzha district, defended his actions. He claimed that Shymol created a disturbance and had turned violent, asserting that his response was aimed at controlling the situation. He also said he was unaware that she was pregnant at the time.

Political Reaction and Government Action

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan strongly criticised the incident, calling it evidence of “extreme brutality” and questioning the state’s claims of ensuring women’s safety. He alleged a broader culture of impunity within the police force.

Following the public backlash, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to take urgent action. Acting on the instructions, the state police chief sought an immediate report from senior officials. Authorities have assured that strict action would be taken, and the SHO has since been suspended.

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