HC shifts ‘custodial death’ probe to Haryana Police
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has transferred the investigation into a youngster’s alleged custodial death at a Budhlada police station in Mansa district to IPS officer Himadri Kaushik, currently posted as Panchkula Deputy Commissioner of Police.
The direction came after Justice Vinod S Bhardwaj found that the explanation provided by the Punjab Police for 23 injuries found on the victim’s body was inadequate.
“This court has noticed the stand of the respondents, but it has nowhere explained the presence of 23 injuries on the deceased and all of them below the abdominal area. The injuries are, thus, on a pattern and not just random injuries in a scuffle or fight.”
Justice Bhardwaj also rapped the special investigation team (SIT) constituted in the case for not giving reasonable explanation, while asserting that it appeared to be an eyewash. The direction and the admonition came on a petition filed against the State of Punjab and other respondents by Malkit Singh and another petitioner.
Legal aid counsel Sarthak Gupta sought direction to the respondents to impartially investigate the alleged custodial death of Manpreet Singh, alias Billa, following which an FIR was registered on June 4, 2021, at the City police station in Budhlada under Section 304 of the IPC and provisions of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Justice Bhardwaj’s Bench was told during the course of hearing that Billa, aged 18-19, was allegedly picked up by the police of Mansa district on the night of May 22, 2021. His parents claimed he was mercilessly beaten at the police station, leading to his death under suspicious circumstances the next day.
Justice Bhardwaj observed that Budhlada Deputy Superintendent of Police filed his reply based on a report submitted by the SHO of the same police station against whom the allegations were levelled.
