PSHRC takes suo motu cognizance of BSF jawan’s custodial death

The Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC), situated in Chandigarh, has taken a suo motu cognizance of the alleged custodial death of a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan in the custody of the Narcotics Control Bureau in Amritsar.

The deceased, identified as Jaswinder Singh, was taken into custody by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) near Billol Bridge of Miran Sahib on March 3. It has been alleged that he was subjected to torture for nearly 17 days, which eventually led to his death.

He was being brought to Amritsar from Jammu when his health condition deteriorated. He was admitted in a private hospital here where he died on March 21.  The incident has led a strong protest by the family members and relatives in Jammu which ultimately led to the registration of an FIR against NCB officials there.

Taking note of these allegations, the Commission has sought detailed reports from the Zonal Director of the NCB, the District Magistrate and the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar.

It has specifically called for the judicial inquiry report, post-mortem findings along with videography, medical treatment records during custody, and the opinion of a board of doctors regarding the exact cause of death.

The Commission has also directed the investigating officer to appear in person on the next date of hearing and ensure that all relevant documents are placed on record.

Additionally, the District and Sessions Judge, Amritsar, has been requested to expedite submission of the inquest report.

The victim’s family has raised serious concerns over the circumstances surrounding the death. His mother had alleged that she was not allowed to meet him during his custody and was later informed abruptly about his demise. She further claimed that injury marks were visible on his body, as seen during post-mortem videography.

The authorities concerned have been asked to furnish the required reports at least a week prior to the next hearing.