NHRC Issues Notices To Odisha Chief Secy & DGP in connection with the death of a person allegedly in police custody

Delhi/Bhubaneswar:20/11/20: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday issued a notice to the Odisha government in connection with the death of a person allegedly in police custody at Puri on Wednesday. The Commission’s directives came shortly after BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra filed a petition over the alleged custodial death. While issuing the notice, NHRC expressed its displeasure over the fact that such custodial deaths are still occurring despite the Supreme Court’s guidelines on the custodial treatment of accused/ suspects. “This is not acceptable in a country governed by the rule of law.” the Commission pointed out while taking a veiled dig at the State government over its failures to adhere to the SC guidelines.

The Commission has directed the Odisha Chief Secretary and DGP to submit detailed reports on the matter within four weeks.

The NHRC has directed the State government to submit the copies of the FIR, arrest, and inspection memos of the person who allegedly died in police custody.

The Commission has also asked the State government to notify whether the family members of the victim were informed about his arrest.

Apart from the medico-legal certificates concerning the deceased K. Ramesh,  videotapes of autopsy, viscera, and the forensic reports on the exact cause of his death; the State authorities have also been asked to submit the magisterial inquiry report in the case.

Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) national spokesperson Sambit Patra had moved the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over the death K. Ramesh allegedly in police custody at Puri.