NHRC Issues Notice to UP Government over Alleged Custodial Death

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government and the state's police chief over reports of a person dying in police custody due to alleged torture in Jalaun district. The NHRC seeks a detailed report and raises concerns over human rights violations.

The NHRC on Thursday announced it has issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government and the state's police chief, following reports of an alleged custodial death due to torture in Jalaun district.

To cover up the incident, some police personnel reportedly detained family members of the deceased illegally at a police station, the NHRC stated.

The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report indicating police custody torture resulting in death in Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh.

According to a July 15 news report, police personnel allegedly abandoned the victim's body outside the emergency ward of the district hospital without notifying anyone.

The NHRC stated that if the report is accurate, it signifies a severe violation of the human rights of the victim and his family.

The rights commission suggested that the policemen might have abused their power, leading to the loss of a precious life and harassment of the victim's family members.

The NHRC has issued notices to the chief secretary and the director general of police of Uttar Pradesh, demanding a detailed report within two weeks.

Additionally, the Commission noted that the Jalaun police failed to report the custodial death within the stipulated 24-hour timeframe.

It directed the superintendent of police, Jalaun to explain the delay in reporting within one week.

A duty doctor, noticing a body in front of the emergency ward, sent a ward boy to inform the police station, but the latter was illegally detained and released only after a staff protest, according to the report.

Signs of injury were found on the deceased, whilst police claimed he died due to illness at the station after being arrested for a murder case, the statement added.

(With inputs from agencies.)