NHRC issues Notice to the SSP, Ghaziabad on the death of a disabled in police custody

New Delhi, 13 January 2007


The National Human Rights Commission has sought a report on the death of a physically handicapped man in the custody of Sihani Police in Ghaziabad District of Uttar Pradesh allegedly due to torture.

Taking suo-motu cognizance of a news report published on January 3, 2007 in "Dainik Jagaran" which said that the young man died in Nehrunagar hospital while in police custody, the Commission has ordered a copy of the news item to be forwarded to the SSP, Ghaziabad.

SSP, Ghaziabad has been asked to look into the matter and submit a report within two weeks. The Commission, which said the news item, if true, raises serious issue of violation of human rights of the undertrial prisoners.

According to the news item, the family members of the dead man have alleged that he died due to police torture and demanded action against the officials responsible for it. But the official in-charge of Sihani Police Station said that the man died due to epilepsy. He also said that an inquiry was on into the incident and action would be initiated against the concerned if found guilty, the report added.

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