NHRC notice to Karnataka Chief Secy on torture in police custody

New Delhi, Mar 16 (UNI) The National Human Rights Commission has sought a factual report from the Chief Secretary and DGP, Karnataka and SP, Gulbarga, on an incident where one person was reportedly tortured by policemen at Surpur town, in Gulbarga District.

Taking suo-motu cognizance of a newspaper report, the Commission said,''the incident raises serious issue of violation of human rights.'' The report, published on March 9 in the 'Deccan Herald' under the heading "Cops 'heat' below the belt", said that on receiving a phone call from an unidentified man, the police of Surpur town, took into custody one Yamanappa Devappa Jalhalli.

The caller from Devpur had said Jalhalli was causing nuisance in a drunken state. The police took him away, brutally injured his private parts, back and chest. The report said that police also battered his hands, legs and thighs. The newspaper report further stated that the incident took place on March 6 and Jalhalli was released on bail the next day.

He was then rushed to Government hospital at Surpur, where he is undergoing treatment.

The Commission said the State authorities should provide the factual report within two weeks.

UNI