Authorities in Bengaluru have launched an internal probe after a 34-year-old woman from West Bengal working as a domestic helper accused police personnel attached to the Varthur Police Station of brutal assault and custodial torture. The incident, which allegedly occurred on October 30, has triggered outrage among migrant worker groups and prompted intervention from West Bengal officials.

According to senior police officials, the woman, identified as Sundari Bibi, was detained by Varthur police following a complaint from residents of Shobha Apartments, where she worked as a domestic worker. The residents had reported a missing diamond ring, prompting the police to summon her for questioning. What should have been a routine inquiry, however, allegedly turned into an episode of severe physical and sexual assault.

Whitefield Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) K. Parashuram confirmed that the department received Sundari’s formal complaint on November 2, several days after the alleged assault. “I have ordered the Marathahalli Assistant Commissioner of Police to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a report within three days,” Parashuram said. “If the officers are found guilty, disciplinary and legal action will be taken. The investigation is ongoing.”

In her complaint, Sundari claimed that instead of conducting a lawful interrogation, multiple officers subjected her and her husband to physical violence. She alleged that the officers inflicted injuries on her head, back, limbs, and private parts during the assault. The account she provided paints a harrowing picture of physical and emotional trauma inside the police station.

“When I reached the Varthur Police Station with my husband, five or six police personnel tortured us. I was not even allowed to go to the restroom as they assaulted me on my private parts. My husband was beaten when he tried to help me. I was released only after local activist R. Khalemulla intervened,” Sundari stated in her written complaint.

Following the incident, Sundari was admitted to Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru for treatment. Medical reports from the hospital reportedly confirmed evidence of severe physical trauma consistent with her account. Sources at the hospital indicated that she had multiple injuries and was under observation as of Monday.

Her allegations have drawn sharp attention from both human rights activists and political leaders. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Samir Ul Islam, who also chairs the West Bengal Migrant Workers’ Welfare Board, intervened in the matter after being alerted by migrant welfare networks operating in Karnataka. On Sunday, Samir Ul Islam reportedly brought the incident to the notice of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s office, urging immediate assistance for the victim.

Following his intervention, officials from the West Bengal Chief Minister’s Office contacted Sundari to inquire about her condition and ensure her safety. They also began coordinating with the Bengaluru Police to monitor the progress of the investigation. According to officials aware of the developments, the West Bengal government has expressed deep concern over the alleged custodial assault of a migrant worker from the state.

The allegations have also renewed concerns over the treatment of domestic workers and migrant laborers in metropolitan areas like Bengaluru, where thousands of women from eastern India are employed in households and apartment complexes. Activists argue that the power imbalance between employers, police, and migrant workers often leaves the latter vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, with little access to justice.

“This is not just a case of individual misconduct; it highlights systemic issues in how police handle complaints involving domestic workers,” said a member of a local labor rights group. “Migrants, especially women, are often treated as easy scapegoats when thefts or disputes occur in households. They are frequently detained without legal safeguards or proper representation.”

Human rights advocates have also raised concerns about the apparent lack of due process in Sundari’s detention. According to legal experts, if she was taken into custody without a formal arrest or legal warrant, the police could be in violation of constitutional and procedural protections guaranteed under Indian law. “Any form of physical coercion, especially sexual assault, in police custody constitutes a grave human rights violation,” said a Bengaluru-based lawyer familiar with custodial abuse cases. “This must be investigated with utmost seriousness, and accountability must extend to all officers involved.”

Meanwhile, officials from the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) have reportedly taken note of media reports and are expected to seek a report from the Bengaluru Police once the departmental inquiry is completed.

The Whitefield DCP’s directive for a swift probe reflects the department’s attempt to contain public outrage and ensure procedural fairness. However, activists argue that internal investigations are often insufficient, calling instead for an independent inquiry led by a judicial or human rights body. “Self-investigation rarely leads to accountability,” said a representative from the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL). “There must be an impartial probe to verify her medical reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements.”

The case has also sparked conversation about the vulnerability of migrant domestic workers in urban India. Many of these workers come from economically distressed regions of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha, often working long hours under precarious conditions. They typically lack formal contracts, job security, or awareness of their legal rights. In instances of conflict with employers, police involvement can exacerbate their situation, especially when bias or social prejudice comes into play.

As of now, Sundari remains under medical care and is being assisted by local activists who are helping her file necessary documents and secure legal representation. According to sources close to the case, she has expressed fear for her safety and apprehension about possible retaliation. The activist R. Khalemulla, who intervened to secure her release from custody, has also called for protection for both Sundari and her husband until the investigation concludes.

In response to mounting pressure, Bengaluru Police officials have stated that all personnel involved will be questioned and that no officer will be shielded if wrongdoing is proven. “We take such allegations very seriously. The integrity of the police force depends on accountability,” an official said. “If evidence substantiates the claims, the accused officers will face criminal prosecution in addition to departmental action.”

The coming days will be critical as investigators collect statements from all parties involved — including Sundari, her husband, apartment residents, and the officers on duty that day. Medical reports, call records, and possible CCTV footage from the police station premises will form key pieces of evidence in establishing what transpired.

For now, Sundari’s case stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by marginalized workers, particularly women migrants who navigate unfamiliar urban systems with little protection. Whether this investigation leads to genuine accountability or fades into bureaucratic inertia remains to be seen, but her allegations have already reignited an urgent debate about custodial violence, migrant safety, and institutional responsibility in India’s policing system.