NHRC notice to DGP, Bihar, over suicide at police station in Nalanda

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi  : The National Human Rights Commission ( NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports that a local leader of the ruling JD(U) in Bihar, who was detained by the Nalanda police in connection with a kidnapping case, allegedly hanged himself inside the station late on July 11, 2019, night. The family of the leader identified as Ganesh Ravidas claimed that the police tortured him in custody. Three policemen were arrested in connection with the case.

The NHRC has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, amount to the gross violation of right to life of the victim. Accordingly, it has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Bihar, calling for a detailed report in the matter within 6 weeks including Inquest Report, Post-mortem Report, Magisterial Enquiry Report, and report of any other investigation conducted in the matter.  The police authorities are also directed to explain as to why intimation in this regard has not been sent to the Commission within 24 hours of the occurrence of the incident.

According to the media reports, carried on July 15, 2019, the victim was detained by the police in the night of July 11, 2019, in connection with allegations of kidnapping of a girl residing at his village. He was suspected to have helped the girl elope. When police interrogation was on, the deceased went to use the washroom, which was outside the lock-up where, he allegedly  hanged himself from a window, according to an NHRC release. The news report further reveals that the victim was killed by the Police Station In-Charge and Chowkidar. It is also stated that there were cut marks on the body of the deceased suggesting it to be a case of torture in police custody.