Police improper in deportation case

An investigation into the conduct of police officers, acting on behalf of immigration officials, has found police exceeded their powers when they forced a Te Puke woman to sign deportation papers.

The investigation was launched by the Police Conduct Authority and Immigration New Zealand following allegations from Pooja Kapila about two police officers’ conduct, leading to her being injured in October 21.

Deepak Kumar, left, Pooja Kapila, who was injured after being forced to sign deportation papers, and Marilynn Williams.

The immigration officers wanted Pooja to sign deportation papers and when she refused, the attending police officers engaged.

Neighbour, and witness to the altercation, Marilynn Williams, says Pooja was sitting at the table when the officers stood either side of her.

“She had her fist clenched tightly and the male officer grabbed her by the wrist,” says Marilynn.

“He tried to get her thumb out, but it was tucked under her fingers.

“The female officer then pulled her index finger right back while the male officer pulled out her thumb – they then put ink on it and placed it on the paper.”
Deepak Kumar also witnessed the incident and says he called the Kapila’s immigration lawyer straight away.
“I asked if police could do that and he said ‘no’.

“So I went inside and asked the police officers if they are allowed to use force and they said they were acting on the orders from the immigration officer.”

Pooja suffered swelling and tenderness and her hand was still wrapped in a sling two weeks after the incident.

In another victory for the family, Pooja’s husband, Satinder Kapila, has also been released from prison, where he had been awaiting deportation since his arrest on October 18.

Satinder was due to be deported on November 25, but the Indian High Commission refused to issue travel documents.

The family has been involved in an immigration battle ever since and has been making appeals for Satinder’s release – something Pooja is very happy about.

She says all she ever wanted was for him to come home.