Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Public outcry over Chirala CI’s abusive outburst toward elderly woman
Police visited a home in Chirala during a search operation on September 6.
A video appeared to show an officer arguing with a 70-year-old woman named M Jalamma.
The officer allegedly used abusive words and threatened her with a lathi.
Jalamma appeared shocked and asked him to stop.
The video spread online and caused public anger.
The officer said he was questioning her about family members accused in several cases.
He also claimed that she used abusive language first, causing him to lose control.
Local and Dalit organisations want senior police officials to investigate and take action.
CCTV footage allegedly showed Chirala II Town CI A Sasi Kumar abusing and threatening 70-year-old M Jalamma.
The incident occurred during a cordon and search operation at Jalamma’s home in Ram Nagar, Chirala, on September 6.
Videos allegedly showed police entering the home, kicking open a kitchen door, raising a lathi and confronting Jalamma.
Sasi Kumar said the search involved family members accused in cases including illicit liquor, ganja sales, POCSO and other offences.
People’s and Dalit organisation leaders demanded action from the district SP and DGP, citing earlier complaints against the officer.
- Who
- Chirala II Town CI A Sasi Kumar and his staff confronted 70-year-old M Jalamma.
- What
- CCTV footage allegedly showed the CI using abusive language and threatening Jalamma during a house search.
- When
- September 6, a Sunday; the footage spread on social media that evening and prompted criticism the following day.
- Where
- M Jalamma’s home in Ram Nagar, Chirala.
- Why
- Police said the operation involved questioning residents about family members accused in several criminal cases; Sasi Kumar claimed Jalamma used abusive language during questioning.
Critics and complainants
Inspector’s explanation
Conduct during the search
Critics and complainants
Critics said the officer intimidated, abused and threatened an elderly woman, and locals alleged that he routinely behaved similarly toward residents, especially poor, Dalit and tribal people.
Inspector’s explanation
Sasi Kumar said Jalamma did not answer his questions and instead allegedly used abusive language against police, which he said caused him to lose control.
Demand for action
Critics and complainants
People’s and Dalit organisation leaders demanded immediate action, alleging corruption, favouritism and earlier complaints in Chirala, Naguluppalapadu and Ongole had not led to action.
Inspector’s explanation
Sasi Kumar linked the search to allegations against members of Jalamma’s family involving illicit liquor, ganja, POCSO and other offences, some of which he said were pending in court.
- Officer
- A Sasi Kumar, Circle Inspector of Chirala II Town
- Resident
- M Jalamma, a 70-year-old woman
- Location
- Ram Nagar, Chirala
- Operation
- Cordon and Search Operation
- Date
- September 6, Sunday
- Alleged conduct
- The footage allegedly showed abusive language, threats and the raising of a lathi
- Public response
- People’s and Dalit organisation leaders demanded action from the district SP and DGP
