The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) on Wednesday directed additional director general of Human Rights Protection Cell of State Police to probe into an alleged custodial torture of a man leading to his death in Sambalpur district.
Hearing a petition filed by human rights activists — Biswapriya Kanungo and Bijay Kumar Panda — OHRC acting chairperson Justice B.K. Mishra also asked superintendent of VSS Medical College Hospital, Burla to produce all documents of treatment extended to the man before his death.
Abhay Singh, a 35-year-old man hailing from West Bengal, and two other persons were reportedly picked up by Sambalpur Town Police Station suspecting their involvement in cellphone theft cases on May 30.
“During the next seven days, the man was tortured in three different police stations. On June 7, they were produced before the court. At the time of production in the court, he had several wounds on his body. On June 10, when his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to VSS Medical College Hospital in Burla,” alleged Mr. Kanungo. According to doctors, wounds bore marks of tortures, he pointed out.
Demands solatium
Human rights activists demanded compensation to the tune of ₹50 lakh for next of kin of the deceased. “Abhay Singh had come to Sambalpur for flower business. The man has four children. His wife is expecting their fifth child. Apart from compensation, both disciplinary and penal actions should be taken against erring police personnel,” they demanded.