PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, Dated: 20th July, 2015

The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh after taking suo motu cognizance of a media report that a 35 year old, under trial prisoner, Shyam Kumar Yadav, died due to alleged assault by prison guards at District Jail, Jaunpur on the 4th July, 2015.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victim. The State Government has been given two weeks' time to submit a factual report in the matter.

According to the media report, Shyam had allegedly attempted sexual assault on a female Warder, prompting the guards to attack him. His death resulted in a clash between prisoners and guards. Police had to be called in to control the situation. The clash left several prison inmates and police officials injured. Two FIRs were lodged at Line Bazar Police Station and a judicial enquiry had been ordered into the incident.

*****