PSHRC seeks report on boy’s ‘torture’ by cops

Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, January 23

The Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has issued a notice to Bathinda Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Naveen Singla, seeking a status report on a case of 12-year-old boy’s “torture” in Kotwali police station here.

It has directed the SSP to submit the report before the next hearing scheduled for March 23. The commission has also asked Singla to record the victim’s statement.

The PSHRC’s move follows a complaint lodged by non-governmental organisation (NGO) Naujawan Welfare Society president Sonu Maheshwari.

In his complaint, he alleged a 12-year-old boy was tortured and beaten up on the charge of theft. The accused cops put petrol on the private parts of the boy and confined him in a room for an hour.

When his mother pleaded for her son’s release, the matter was settled for Rs 5,000.

A copy of the commission’s order has been sent to DGP (IVC)-cum-Human Rights, Punjab, and the Bathinda SSP for the compliance with the orders.

The SSP said, “I have received a letter from PSHRC, seeking a status report before March 23. The probe is in progress. We will submit the report based on the investigation.”