Punjab Police top in human rights violations, says IG PSHRC

Phagwara, Oct 13 (UNI) Punjab police has maintained its decade-old dubious distinction of topping the list of human rights violations in the state, Inspector General, Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC), M K Tiwari said here today.

This year too, of all the human rights violation complaints received by PSHRC, maximum cases involved state police personnel, Mr Tiwari told UNI, adding that they have emerged as the undisputed toppers since 1997.

The IG said, with a track record of 9,835 complaints in 2005 alone, the number of complaints against police officers reached the mark of 7,652 till September this year.

Most complaints were related to abuse of power, false implications, victimisation and unlawful detention. Surprisingly, very few complaints were received against indiscriminate arrest, custodial violence and death in police firing, he added.

Mr Tiwari, however, felt that more people were picking up the courage of fighting for their rights. ''It's a healthy trend as increase in number of complaints against police will compel the authorities to improve their functioning and behaviour.'' ADGP (Law and Order) Chander Shekhar agreed with him saying, ''People are becoming more and more aware. They don't hesitate anymore to approach the apex authority.'' Talking about the increasing rate of complaints every year, he said, ''Most of the time persons booked under various charges file complaints against the police. Around 30 per cent cases are related with failure to take action or omissions by the police.'' UNI XC JN AD HS1518