4 days ago
NHRC Seeks FIR Over Alleged Punjab Custodial Assault
The National Human Rights Commission is investigating claims that a man was hurt while in Punjab police custody.
The man, Mohanjeet Singh, was reportedly detained after trying to show black flags at an event.
The event was attended by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
A complaint said Singh was beaten, tortured and badly injured.
The commission asked officials to arrange a medical examination for him.
It also asked that CCTV footage from the police station be saved.
Punjab transferred a deputy superintendent of police who was held responsible.
The NHRC said transferring an officer is not enough if a law was broken.
It has therefore asked police to register a formal case, called an FIR.
The NHRC sought an FIR against Punjab police personnel over alleged custodial assault, torture and human rights violations.
The complaint alleges Mohanjeet Singh was detained after displaying or attempting to display black flags at a September 2 event in Sunam.
NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo said Singh was allegedly assaulted, tortured and seriously injured in custody.
The commission ordered notices to Punjab’s Chief Secretary and DGP, along with a medico-legal examination and preservation of police-station CCTV footage.
Punjab transferred a DSP held responsible for the alleged incident, but the NHRC said transfer alone was not punishment.
- Who
- The National Human Rights Commission, Punjab police personnel, Mohanjeet Singh, and officials named in a complaint by Rajya Sabha member Tarun Chugh.
- What
- The NHRC sought registration of an FIR over allegations that Singh was assaulted, tortured and seriously injured in police custody.
- Where
- The incident was allegedly connected to a police station in Punjab after an event at Village Sheron in Sunam.
- When
- The alleged detention followed an event on September 2; the NHRC member discussed the action on Sunday.
- Why
- The complaint alleged Singh was detained after protesting the drug crisis and attempting to display black flags during an official event.
NHRC and Accountability Advocates
Punjab Government’s Initial Response
Appropriate action
NHRC and Accountability Advocates
The NHRC said that merely transferring an officer is not punishment and sought an FIR if laws were broken.
Punjab Government’s Initial Response
The Punjab government held a DSP responsible for the alleged incident and ordered the officer’s immediate transfer.
Alleged police conduct
NHRC and Accountability Advocates
The complaint and NHRC account allege that Mohanjeet Singh was assaulted, tortured and seriously injured after being taken into custody.
Punjab Government’s Initial Response
The article reports the government’s personnel action but does not include a detailed public response disputing or confirming each allegation.
Key facts
- Investigating body
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- Alleged victim
- Mohanjeet Singh
- Complaint filed by
- Rajya Sabha member Tarun Chugh
- Event location
- Village Sheron in Sunam, Punjab
- Alleged violations
- Custodial assault, torture and grievous injuries
- Punjab government action
- A DSP was held responsible and immediately transferred
- NHRC’s demand
- Registration of an FIR against the concerned police personnel
Quotes
Priyank Kanoongo
NHRC member discussing the complaint and alleged custodial assault
“We have taken cognisance of a complaint from Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh. The complaint mentions that during an official event attended by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, a young man held a protest against the drug crisis in Punjab and attempted to display black flags to draw the Chief Minister's attention. The police took the young man into custody, assaulted him severely, subjected him to torture, and inflicted grievous injuries upon him.”
thehansindia.com
“Merely transferring a police officer is not a punishment. If someone has broken a law, action should be taken against him. Transfer is not a solution.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
Related news
NHRC Seeks Punjab Report Over Alleged Sikh Custodial Torture
NHRC Orders Punjab Probe Into Rs 5 Crore Allegation
Congress Condemns Detention, Alleged Torture of Punjab Black-Flag Protester
Punjab Police Transfers DSP After Alleged Custodial Torture
Maharashtra Rights Panel Notices Pune Police Over Custodial Torture
MSHRC Recommends FIR Against Pune Police Over Custodial Abuse
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Pays Tribute to Udham Singh
