NHRC Issues Notice to UP Government Following Custodial Death in Jalaun

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government and the state's police chief regarding a reported custodial death in Jalaun district. The NHRC stated that the incident involved alleged torture by police, leading to the individual's death.

Allegations of Police Misconduct

According to a media report dated July 15, the police allegedly abandoned the victim's body outside the emergency ward of the district hospital without informing anyone. The NHRC noted that if these allegations are true, they represent a severe violation of human rights for both the victim and his family.

The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of this media report, which suggests that police officers misused their authority. The Commission highlighted that a human life was lost during police action, and the victim's family faced harassment and illegal detention.

Immediate Actions and Notices

The NHRC has demanded a detailed report from the chief secretary and the director general of police of Uttar Pradesh within two weeks. The Commission also pointed out that Jalaun police authorities failed to notify it about the custodial death within 24 hours, as required by its guidelines.

The superintendent of police in Jalaun has been instructed to explain within one week why this case was not reported promptly. The NHRC's statement emphasised that such delays in reporting are unacceptable and need immediate rectification.

Hospital Staff Involvement

The news report mentioned that a duty doctor discovered the body outside the emergency ward and sent a ward boy to inform the police station. However, it is alleged that the police illegally detained the ward boy, releasing him only after hospital staff protested.

The NHRC's statement included details about injury marks found on the deceased's body. While the police claimed that the man, who was wanted in a murder case, died due to illness after his arrest, these claims are under scrutiny due to conflicting reports.

The Commission's observations suggest that if these allegations hold true, they indicate a significant abuse of power by law enforcement officers. This incident raises serious concerns about human rights violations and the treatment of individuals in custody.

The NHRC's actions aim to ensure accountability and transparency in handling such cases. The Commission's intervention underscores the importance of upholding human rights and addressing any misuse of power by authorities.

The NHRC continues to monitor this case closely and expects timely responses from the concerned officials. This incident highlights the need for strict adherence to protocols and guidelines in cases of custodial deaths.

Ensuring justice for victims and their families remains a priority for the NHRC. The Commission's proactive approach seeks to prevent future occurrences of such incidents and promote respect for human rights across all levels of law enforcement.