Not Named As Accused, Yet Questioned Repeatedly: Surat Woman Seeks Action Against Seven Cops
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
A PhD scholar from Surat has approached the Gujarat High Court seeking contempt proceedings against seven police officers and personnel of Surat Rural Police, alleging violations of Supreme Court guidelines governing arrest, detention and interrogation.
The petitioner, Kiran Tulsibhai Rathod, has claimed that she was repeatedly questioned and harassed in connection with a robbery and murder case registered at Mandvi Police Station in August 2026, despite not being named as an accused.
Questioned After Friend’s Arrest
According to the petition, police began questioning Rathod after arresting her friend in connection with the case. She had temporarily stayed at her friend’s residence and had previously spoken to him over the phone.
Rathod has claimed that she cooperated with investigators by providing a video-recorded statement, fingerprints and a blood sample. Despite this, she alleges that police continued to question her without sufficient reason.
Taken To Police Station Without Written Notice, Plea Says
The petition states that on September 3, 2026, police personnel in plain clothes arrived at her residence without serving a prior written summons or notice. She was allegedly taken in a private vehicle to Mandvi Police Station and questioned until late at night.
According to the plea, she was brought home in a police vehicle in the early hours of September 4. She has also alleged that police seized her mobile phone under a panchnama and threatened to implicate her as a co-accused.
The petitioner further claims that she was repeatedly called for questioning by different police units, including the Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Local Crime Branch (LCB).
Petitioner Cites Supreme Court Guidelines
Rathod has alleged that the police personnel failed to wear visible identity cards and name badges, which she claims violated safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court in the landmark D.K. Basu case to protect personal liberty and prevent custodial abuse.
Her petition argues that these safeguards apply to police questioning and detention even when a formal arrest has not been made.
She has asked the Gujarat High Court to initiate contempt proceedings against the seven police personnel, hold them responsible for the alleged violations and impose appropriate punishment.
The allegations are part of the petition and have not been established by a court.
