NHRC notice to the DGP, Bihar over reported suicide in a Nalanda police station (15.07.2019)

New Delhi, 15th July, 2019

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that a local leader of the ruling JD(U) in Bihar, who was detained by the Nalanda police in connection with a kidnapping case, allegedly hanged himself inside the station late on Thursday night. The family of the leader, identified as Ganesh Ravidas, claimed that the police tortured him in custody. Three policemen were reportedly arrested in connection with the case.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true amount to the gross violation of right to life of the victim. Accordingly, it has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Bihar calling for a detailed report in the matter within 6 weeks including Inquest Report, Post-mortem Report, Magisterial Enquiry Report and report of any other investigation conducted in the matter. The incident reportedly occurred on 12.07.2019. The police authorities are also directed to explain as to why intimation in this regard has not been sent to the Commission within 24 hours of the occurrence of the incident.

According to the media reports, carried today on 15.7.2019, the victim was detained by the police in the night of 11.07.2019 in connection with allegations of kidnapping of a girl residing in his village. He was suspected to have helped the girl elope. When police interrogation was on, the deceased went to use the washroom, which was outside the lock-up where, he reportedly hanged himself from a window.

The news report further reveals that the victim was killed by the Police Station In-Charge and chowkidar. It is also stated that there were cut marks on the body of the deceased suggesting it to be a case of torture in police custody.

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