2 cops booked for assaulting ST woman

Hyderabad: After two cops from LB Nagar police station allegedly used excessive force against an ST woman, Rachakonda police on Thursday said that a criminal case was registered against head constable Shiva Shankar and constable Sumalatha.Rachakonda police conducted an enquiry and placed Shiva Shankar and Sumalatha under suspension.On Tuesday night, when Lakshmi and two others were involved in a fracas, the patrolling police handed Lakshmi over to staff in LB Nagar police station. A case was registered and later they were produced before the court. She was confined to the police station by Shiva Shankar and Sumalatha. During an argument, Lakshmi was allegedly assaulted by the two cops. When Lakshmi did not return home, family members came to know that she was in police custody. When they reached police station, Lakshmi told them that she was assaulted and abused by referring to her caste.Various organisations of ST community staged a protest at police station demanding action against the cops. Her family alleged that Lakshmi, who was in possession of 3 lakh cash and gold earrings, were missing after she was taken into custody.