New Delhi: A shocking twist has emerged in the case of a 25-year-old woman from Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, who was arrested on July 27 for allegedly misleading officers investigating her husband’s disappearance since November 2021.
The woman, identified as Afsana, has now made serious allegations against the police, claiming that she was tortured to confess to her husband’s murder.
Afsana’s husband, Noushad, was recently found alive, approximately 100km away in Thodupuzha, Idukki district. Following this development, Afsana was released on bail from Thiruvananthapuram’s prison for women on Sunday.
Addressing reporters outside the jail complex, Afsana asserted that she only confessed to killing her husband due to the relentless torture she endured at Koodal police station. She alleged that police officials, including female personnel, subjected her to severe physical abuse, even using pepper spray in her mouth. She claimed that they denied her access to food and water for two days and threatened to implicate her father in the case. Under the pressure of these threats and abuse, Afsana admitted to killing Noushad and burying him, as instructed by the police.
Recounting her harrowing experience, she said, “They did not let me sleep at all,” adding that the police forced her to accompany them to various locations in a bid to “discover” Noushad’s body.
However, T Rajappan, the Deputy Superintendent of Police in Konni, vehemently denied the allegations of torture. He stated that they possess CCTV footage of Afsana’s statements and have witnesses to corroborate their version of events. A thorough inquiry, he asserted, would vindicate the police of any wrongdoing.
On the other hand, Noushad, who was found living on a farm, shared his side of the story with the media. He disclosed that he left home after being attacked following a heated argument with his wife, Afsana. Recalling the incident, he said, “I had an argument with Afsana, and she left the house. Later, around 10-20, men stormed into the house and assaulted me. I don’t know who they were. Fearing for my life, I decided to escape the next morning.” He expressed shock at learning about reports of his death and burial, emphasizing his primary desire to reunite with his two children.
Afsana admitted that there were longstanding issues in their marriage, alleging that Noushad was an alcoholic who physically abused her. She professed ignorance regarding the reason behind his disappearance and denied any involvement in orchestrating the attack on him.
The case has taken a perplexing turn, leaving many questions unanswered. As authorities continue their investigation, the truth behind Afsana’s alleged coerced confession and the circumstances surrounding Noushad’s disappearance remains a matter of scrutiny and concern.
