SHRC orders IG-led probe into allegations against former Kannur SHO

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has ordered its investigation wing, headed by Inspector General (IG) of Police J. Jayanath, to inquire into allegations that former Kannur Town Station House Officer (SHO) and circle inspector Sreejith Koderi subjected a woman and her family to mental harassment, abuse of authority, and human rights violations during a police investigation.

The interim order was passed on a complaint filed by Sugila K., a resident of Chovva. The Commission had directed the former SHO to appear before it in Kannur on July 16, but he failed to do so. After examining the records, the Commission held that the allegations warranted a detailed inquiry by its investigation wing, which had been directed to submit its report in September.

Speaking to The Hindu,Ms. Sugila alleged that on August 14, 2025, she was called alone into the SHO’s room without the presence of a woman police officer after appearing at the station in connection with a complaint. She alleged that she was verbally abused in obscene language, threatened with false cases carrying life imprisonment, and intimidated after attempting to record the conversation on her mobile phone.

She further alleged that her husband was asked to leave while she was confined to the officer’s room, mentally harassed and physically intimidated. She also alleged that her phone was seized. She further claimed that non-bailable offences were later added to the first information report.

In her complaint, she alleged that fabricated evidence was created to implicate her and her husband, who were subsequently arrested and jailed despite committing no offence.

She further alleged that her minor daughter, who was preparing for the SSLC examination, suffered severe psychological trauma after a lookout notice issued against her parents was circulated on social media without prior notice.

Ms. Sugila has also sought legal action against the former SHO and compensation for the mental, social and educational losses suffered by her family.