Human Rights Watch demands action in Andhra Police torture

New York, Nov 19 (UNI) A New-York based human rights body has demanded action against police officials responsible for the torture of 21 Muslims taken into custody after a series of bomb blasts in Hyderabad in May and August 2007.

The authorities detained approximately 100 persons for questioning. Of those later charged, 21 were released.

On November 13, the state government admitted that the 21 had been tortured and announced a compensation, according to the Human Rights Watch.

It also promised additional financial assistance through government loans. But the state government has not initiated criminal proceedings against any police officer who ordered or carried out the torture.

''Acknowledging torture and providing compensation is a good first step,'' said Meenakshi Ganguly, senior South Asia researcher at the Human Rights Watch.

''But the government has to prosecute those responsible so that those who use torture will not get away with it,'' she added.

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