Youth Congress activists were removed by police during their protest march to Ernakulam North police station demanding action against station officer KG Prathapa Chandran for allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman. | Photo credit: RK Nithin
A day after KG Prathapa Chandran, Station House Officer (SHO) of Aroor police station, was suspended for allegedly slapping a pregnant woman when he was SHO Ernakulam Town North, the woman has vowed to continue her legal battle against him.
NJ Shymol, who was allegedly assaulted by Mr Prathapa Chandran, said on Friday (December 19) that she was not entirely satisfied with the suspension of the officer. “We will continue with the complaint. Not only was I slapped, but I was also insulted as a woman. We will do everything in our power to get him the maximum punishment,” Shymolová told reporters. She said legal action would be taken against other officers who also “manhandled” her at the station.
The incident, which took place on June 20, 2024, came to light on Thursday (December 18) after she managed to obtain CCTV footage of the assault through an RTI query. Mrs Shymol was at the station after police took her husband into custody after he allegedly filmed the alleged violent detention of two youths accused of theft.
Reacting to the release of the visuals, Mr. Prathapa Chandran accused the woman of causing a ruckus at the police station and trying to harm her infant twins, who she was carrying in her arms.
He said the woman’s husband, Ben Jo, was detained for allegedly helping the accused in the theft escape. “She stormed the station and threatened to throw babies to their deaths and end her own life. She also attacked police officers, including a policewoman. We were only trying to save the children. I reacted when she pushed me twice,” he said before the suspension order was issued.
Ms Shymol and Mr Jo said on Friday that the officer had repeatedly made false allegations against them and that they would prove their innocence in court.
Meanwhile, more people came forward on Friday with allegations of assault and disorderly conduct by Mr. Prathapa Chandran. The police have not yet responded to the fresh allegations.
Published – 19 Dec 2025 21:16 IST
