NHRC seeks report on death in police custody after brutal assault

The National Human Rights Commission has followed up on reports that a man has died in police custody in Pilkhua, Uttar Pradesh, after he was brutally assaulted during interrogation in connection with a murder case.

In a statement, the Commission said the man was allegedly kicked, punched, hit with planks of wood, given electric shocks and pierced with a screwdriver. A purported video of the victim's dead body shows deep bruise marks on his posterior and left arm and stab wounds all over the body.

The Commission observed that, on the content of media reports, it appeared to be a glaring violation of the human rights of an individual in police custody, for which accountability rests on the police force of the State.

Accordingly, the Commission issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, calling for a detailed report in the matter.

He has also been directed to mention in the report action taken against the responsible police officials and the steps taken to prevent such an incident in future by the State police.

A notice has also been issued to the Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, to ensure the safety and security of the victim's family, mainly the minor boy of the deceased, who experienced significant trauma during alleged torture and death of his father in police custody.

The detailed reports from both the authorities are expects within four weeks.

The Commission further observed that it is beyond comprehension as to how police officials have perpetrated such heinous torture and barbaric atrocious act on a helpless man in their custody.

The Commission has also observed that it has repeatedly cautioned police officials not to indulge in unlawful actions including atrocities against accused persons, much less an innocent, while such a person is in their custody.

Therefore, the Commission has said that it is of the view that there is a need for thorough probe into the matter to identify and punish the guilty.

Date: 16 October 2019

Source: National Human Rights Commission of India