New Delhi, 23 June 2006

The NHRC has asked the Chief Secretary and Inspector General, Prisons, Bihar, to submit a factual report, particularly, the present physical condition of undertrial prisoner Md. Shahabuddin, who is lodged in Siwan jail. The Commission has also asked about the nature of treatment, if any provided to him.
The Commission's move comes in the wake of a petition presented to the Chairperson Dr. Justice A.S.Anand by Smt. Heena Sahab and others, where they drew Commission's attention to the poor medical condition of Md. Shahabuddin and denial of proper treatment to him by the officials of jail. The petitioner alleged that Md. Shahabuddin is an old patient of slip disk and his condition had worsened while being shifted from Bhagalpur jail to Siwan jail. The petitioner further said, he is on the verge of collapse leading to paralysis and needs specialized treatment by a neuro surgeon.
The petitioner also alleged that on the night of 10 May 2006, SDPO, Siwan, Jail Superintendent, Siwan and Armed police entered his cell and beat him with rifle butts and dandas resulting in spinal injuries.
The Commission has further asked the Chief Secretary and IG, Prisons, Bihar to inform whether or not Md. Shahabuddin or anyone on his behalf has moved any other superior court referring his medical condition and denial of proper treatment by the authorities, and if so to furnish a copy of the said petition and orders, if any, passed thereon by the concerned government. A four weeks time has been given to the aforesaid authorities to respond.
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