NHRC notice to the Uttarakhand DGP over a reported death in police custody in Udham Singh Nagar . (12.07.2019)

New Delhi, 12th July, 2019

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, a 18 year old man died in police custody on 11.07.2019. Reportedly, the deceased was arrested by the police on 09.07.2019 on charges of theft. According to the reported police claim, he hanged himself in the police lock-up but his family has alleged that he was beaten up by the police personnel and there were injury marks on his body.

The Commission has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Uttarakhand calling for a detailed report in the matter including Inquest Report, Post-mortem Examination Report and report of the Magisterial Enquiry conducted in the matter, within 6 weeks. It has also observed that no intimation has been received as yet from the state police authorities in pursuance of its guidelines issued on the subject.

The Commission has further observed that apparently, the police authorities failed to do their lawful duty and protect the right to life of the victim. The death of a person in police custody is a matter of concern. As a custodian, it was the lawful duty of the police authorities to ensure proper safety of the victim.

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