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Increasing Custodial Deaths
January 2, 2004 | Comments Off on Increasing Custodial Deaths
The National Human Rights Commission released its annual report, describing the increasing numbers of custodial deaths:
Over 1,305 cases were reported during 2001-02, according to the commission’s annual report — 1,140 deaths occurred in judicial custody and the rest in police custody.
In light of these statistics, the NHRC has recommended better custodial management, human rights training for police personnel, an increased role for human rights cells established by state governments, and vigilance and help from NGOs.
The Express News Service also reports today about the unresolved case of the custodial death of Jaspal Singh of village Saheri in district Ropar, Punjab:
On February 6, 2001, there was an alleged fight between Jaspal and another young boy Charanjit Singh, son of Gurmeet Singh, of the same village. Charanjit allegedly received a few minor injuries.
It was alleged that feeling agitated, Gurmeet Singh — whose friend Billu of the same village had a close relation with the Police Station Morinda SHO Tarlochan Singh — demanded that Jaspal be taught a lesson. The police allegedly forcibly picked him up.
Early morning on February 7, 2001, when Surmukh Singh went searching for his son, the police told him that Jaspal had died and was in Police Station Morinda.
The case is pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
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