Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognisance of media a report that a resident of village Kedi Mau in Hunterganj area in Chatra District, Jharkhand, was taken into custody by police on November 24, 2019, on suspicion of being a supporter of Naxalites and later died. His family members and the villagers have alleged that the victim was a farmer and had been illegally arrested, physically tortured, and killed by police personnel. The police team had reportedly asked him to guide them in the forest in arresting some Naxalites.
The Commission has observed that even if the police personnel had apprehension that the victim was involved in the Naxal activities, his death in police custody cannot be justified in any manner. Apparently, the victim died in police custody and the sequence of events is indicative of possible abuse of power by police force violating the right to life of the deceased. A precious life has been lost and it is indeed a matter of concern for the Commission, the NHRC said.
Accordingly, it has issued a notice to the DGP, Jharkhand, calling for a detailed report in the matter within, six weeks including the Inquest report, Magisterial Enquiry Report under section 176 (1a) CrPC, Post-mortem report along with video CD and record of treatment at primary health centre and the district hospital where the deceased was reportedly taken before death, according to an NHRC release.
The Commission has also directed the DGP, Jharkhand, to sensitise the officers concerned and submit an explanation as to why this matter was not reported to the Commission within the stipulated 24 hours of the occurrence of the custodial death in spite of specific directions given to all the state authorities.
According to the media report, carried on November 26, 2019, the son of the victim Bechan Ganjhu has stated that his father was arrested by police from their residence and later he was allegedly beaten up. As the news of physical torture of the victim spread, his son along with village head reached the police station but he was not allowed to meet his father. In the evening when they were returning back, a message was given to them that the victim was not feeling well and had been sent to Sadar hospital. The villagers reached the hospital but they were not allowed to see the victim. Next morning, police personnel informed the family about the death of the victim.
As mentioned in the news report, the victim was perfectly alright when he was arrested by police. The villagers have also stated that they witnessed the victim being beaten up by “Cobra” team of police, who allegedly whisked away the villagers from the spot.
The Deputy Superintendent of Police of the area has reportedly stated in a press release that police had arrested three persons associated with the Naxalites, who were planning a big damage to the security forces. A gas cylinder, drill machine, and IED material was reportedly recovered by police from the arrested persons.