UN Rapporteur on Torture urged to intervene against NHRC

New Delhi, Aug.3 (ANI): Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) today sought the intervention of the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Prof. Manfred Nawak against the National Human Rights Commission of India for condoning torture. On 1 October 2008, the ACHR filed a complaint (No. 24/14/2/08-09-PF) pertaining to the torture of Brajabasimayum Robin Sharma, R.K Dhanajit Singh and 18 others by the Assam Rifles personnel in Manipur State of India in September 2008.

The Inspector General of Police (Human Rights), Manipur in his report of 21 November 2008 submitted to the NHRC confirmed that "the passengers were detained at the Assam Rifles Post at Tengnoupal on 14-9-2008 and B. Robin Sharma and R.K. Dhanajit Singh received minor physical injuries due to beating by the Assam Rifles personnel".

Asian Centre for Human Rights also submitted photographic evidence of torture of B Robin Sharma and R K Dhanajit Singh.

However, without considering the report of the Manipur Police and photographic evidence provided by the ACHR, on 3 June 2009, the NHRC dismissed the complaint on the ground that Asian Centre for Human Rights "has failed to submit the copy of report submitted by injured before police station or injury report of B. Robin Sharma and R.K Dhanjit Singh."

"The order of the NHRC is nothing but condoning of torture." - stated Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights.

The ACHR has urged the UN Special Rapporteur to intervene with the NHRC to re-open and re-hear the case based on the report submitted by the Manipur Police and evidence provided by Asian Centre for Human Rights. (ANI)