IPS officer locked in ‘her own property’

The 1991 batch officer has been on leave since 2005 to pursue higher studies. Government records stated she is on ‘unauthorised leave’. She made a representation to the Home Department and former DGP K Subramanyam earlier this year seeking permission to rejoin but no decision has been taken yet.

Fernandes was allegedly confined on the plot that also houses the Pimpleshwar Mahadev temple in Sonarpada village,Dombivli (East). “The five-and-a half acre plot was purchased by my father in the 1960s and I have all documents to prove ownership. When my father bought the land,there was a small temple there,which now has taken over half an acre. The Trust does not want me to claim the land,although I am willing to let go of the half acre they claim is theirs,” she said. Fernandes added she has the power of attorney and the land was being taken over by a “bogus Trust”.

Witnesses said both parties refused to budge and Trust members decided to lock the gates from outside while Fernandes was still inside. The Manpada police station was informed and sensing that the situation would take a turn for the worse,personnel were deployed there.

Police sources said some persons from the Trust refused to let Fernandes out of the premises and kept the gate locked for a few hours.

Fernandes later approached the Manpada police and registered a complaint against several Trust members under Sections 341 (wrongful restraint),504 (intentional insult to breach peace),506 (criminal intimidation),427 (mischief resulting in damage) and 34 (common intent) of the Indian Penal Code.

“We have received the complaint from Fernandes and are probing the case. The other group has also registered a cross-complaint against her,claiming that the land is disputed,” said an officer.

Thane Police Commissioner K P Raghuvanshi played down the incident and said it was a civil dispute. “A case has been registered and it is a property dispute. We will investigate,” he said.

Abraham Mathai,the president of the Indian Christian Voice,condemned the police “inaction” and said the culprits should be punished for forcefully confining a woman.

“A communally polarised police is being used as a tool against persons. If an IPS officer can be held under siege by communal forces,one can only imagine the fate of the common man,” he alleged.