70-year-old woman ‘tortured’ in custody

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, April 24

The Haryana State Commission for Women (HCW) on Tuesday accused the Hansi police of thrashing a 70-year-old tribal woman in custody on April 20. The woman, Tara Devi of the district’s Badsi village, was admitted to the Civil Hospital here with injury marks on her back.

Suman Bedi, HCW member, told this to the media here.

“The Hansi police have failed to take action against erring cops,” she said.

On April 20, the woman was allegedly caught stealing a purse. She was handed over to the police and booked.

Bedi said, “Vimukt Ghumantu Jati Vikas Board chairperson Balwan Singh informed me about the incident on Tuesday. I visited the woman and was shocked to see the wounds on her back.”

The HCW member said when she apprised Hansi police SP Pratiksha Godara of the incident, she replied in an irresponsible manner. “The SP said she was burdened with work. Apparently, she is least concerned about Tara Devi,” Bedi said.

Tara Devi's son Dharam Pal said, "I paid Rs 1,000 in bribe for the release of my mother. On reaching home, my mother told me she was beaten up in police custody. I immediately took her to the Hansi Civil Hospital, which referred her to the Civil Hospital in Hisar."

He has started a dharna at the Civil Hospital.

The Hansi SP said, “The preliminary investigation has it brought out the woman was manhandled by three cops at the police station. I have ordered an inquiry and sent the three cops to the Police Lines.”