The action came after an audio clip of a purported conversation that the woman had with the officers surfaced, in which the inspector is heard warning her of action if she did not mind her own business.

Renuka’s husband Gajendran, sister Shantha and her son met Commissioner AK Viswanathan on Wednesday seeking action against police officers, after which the order was passed to transfer them to vacancy reserve. The family also submitted the audio clip of the conversation between inspector Alexander and Renuka at the police station, in which the policeman warns of remanding her if she failed to follow his instructions.

From the conversation, it appears that Renuka’s family had accused their neighbour Amirthavalli of diverting sewage to her house, over which Renuka had lodged a complaint. 

Renuka attempted self-immolation after the police inquiry and in the audio clip she accused the two officers favouring Amirthavalli after receiving money from her.

Departmental action would be taken against the personnel after inquiry, said sources in the City Police.